Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Today read Judges 10-12. Obscurity. This is a word we don’t use very often. We live in a “Cult of Personality.” Actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, criminals and even preachers seek out the cameras and microphones. They hope to be superstars whose fame stretches county-wide, statewide, regionally, nationally, or even globally. When it comes to being faithful followers of Jesus, obscurity is far more prevalent than fame.
Many of you can name Israelite Judges like Samuel, Samson, Gideon, or Jephthah. But what about Tola. All we know of him is found in the first two verses of Judges 10. He was an “obscure” judge. Yet, according to Judges 2:16, he had the same calling, the same anointing, and the same mission from Yahweh -- rescue or save Israel. Tola began to deliver Israel and then judged Israel faithfully for 23 years.
What does this have to do with you? If people don’t know or remember your name, don’t fret. If you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength . . . If you serve Him faithfully wherever He has put you, if you pursue HIM above all else, HE KNOWS. That’s what really matters. Embrace obscurity because there is only One you need to please. He sees all and knows all . . . And remembers every faithful deed, every word of witness, and every sacrifice you make to bring Him glory. Trust Him completely and serve Him wholeheartedly until that moment when you hear HIS voice saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!! Enter into the joys of your Lord.”
In your journal today, write all of the characteristics of being a good and faithful servant. How can you do better. List ways you can improve your walk with God so you, too, can be welcomed into His kingdom as a “good and faithful servant!”
PRAY: El Roi, the God Who sees me, I do not desire fame or fortune. I long only to live my life as a sacrifice to You, to serve You with a whole heart, to bring You glory through my life. Help me to embrace obscurity and simply serve You by serving others. You, Lord, are the God Who sees and remembers and that’s all I need. Help me to be the salt of the earth and the light of Your glory wherever
