Hated and Appalled

Isaiah 52: ¹³ See, my servant will act wisely;
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations,
    and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

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“Hey ” the crowd called out in a mocking fashion. “Not so powerful now are you?” they jeered. One person spit, then the next. Soon the crowd got comfortable and because everyone else was focused on this one person, they joined in. No spotlight on anyone in the mob, rather the beacon shined directly on one poor soul.

• It is easy to join in the crowd.
• It is easy to be part of the mob.
• It is easy to say what is wrong and become part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

Mobs look for what is wrong and try to rally people to their cause. Labels are quickly put in place that everyone around agrees with and suddenly the mob can do what they want to do because “everyone else” is doing it. This is unfortunate for the mob.

• JESUS was appalled by HIS own creation.
• JESUS was beaten to the point of disfiguration.
• JESUS was marred beyond human likeness.

Which side of the mob would I have been on? Would I spit on JESUS or would I risk my life and step into help HIM. This test happens daily. The hard choice to follow GOD is placed in front of me on a daily basis. Will I hide my relationship with JESUS in order to get ahead? Will I slander “that” person in order to look right in everyone else’s eyes? Will I go against GOD’s word and sin anyway?

GOD has done far more that I can imagine for me. HE went out on a limb to save me and has faced far more than I have ever faced. HIS ridicule and defacement won’t last though. HE acted wisely and took on every human’s sins, even mine. HE is now raised and lifted up. HE IS highly exalted!

• Are you part of the mob?
• Do you try to rally people to “your” cause rather than spreading GOD’s word?
• Can you stop slandering and start spreading the GOOD NEWS?
• Will you recognize what JESUS has done for you today?

Building People

2 Chronicles 36: ²³ “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

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Find their flaw, document it and express it to the network of people was the method used in this particular company to get promoted or more budget or more responsibility. It really seemed sad, but there was one person who I admired who said to me “Be a king maker.” As I pondered these words I wondered “How?” I mean I’m not on the top, how will I put someone where I’m not?

• When everyone is tearing people down I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When people are focused on slander, lies and misconceptions I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When the crowd is full of malice, poison and spite, I have a choice to be like them or not.

In the middle of a chaotic workplace, he was telling me to “build people up” rather than tearing them down. Those who will be in my corner will remain there and those who aren’t will not. I remembered these words as I worked in a very difficult neighborhood who did not focus on GOD rather they turned to gang violence.

We went out and invited people to the church and they said things like “I have no clothes to wear” or “I haven’t been in a while” but they came when we said to them “You have a lot to offer and only you can help others.” I prayed with people and by building them up, they actually came to the church. GOD drew them back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to build people up because that person is a new temple.
• GOD wants me to build people up because HE wants to draw them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to build people up because my words will mimic HIS and be full of grace.

Building people up can only be done when I can appreciate how GOD has made me. If I don’t like how GOD made me then I will speak poorly about others. If I can understand that GOD was very pleased when HE made me, that HE understands my flaws and loves me anyway, then I can be excited about HIS people.

• Are you in the process of tearing people down or building them up?
• Do you see people as a threat or GOD’s workmanship?
• Can you stop spreading your poison about “those people” and begin building up the flock GOD has sent to you?

Being above pettiness

1 Samuel 30: ²¹ Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Valley. They came out to meet David and the men with him. As David and his men approached, he asked them how they were. ²² But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.”

²³ David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us. ²⁴ Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”²⁵ David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

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“I’m not sure if he is a good boss or not” were the words that came from my lips as we met by the coffee machine and chatted. Months later we were going through yet another reorganization. He moved my family to a faraway land and we still questioned the validity of his business prowess, but exclaimed praise for his upward momentum.

One day he pulled me in his office and said, “I have watched over you. Raise yourself above any petty talk and you will succeed.” I think he knew I was talking about him. He blessed me for years after with raises and promotions. He went on to become the CEO.

• When I gossip I am being petty.
• When I talk about people who didn’t pull their weight I am being petty.
• When I think negatively about someone GOD is raising up I am being petty.

“Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent” of the people is how the old saying goes. Am I in helping group or the group that sits back and murmurs and complains about the boss? Well apparently I was in the latter of the two. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

• GOD wants me to stop complaining about “that” person and start praying “for” that person.
• GOD wants me to stop murmuring and start moving.
• GOD wants me to stop holding people back and start helping them move forward.

From his mentorship I was able to let go of my pettiness and grow people to become my boss and greater without being jealous. GOD blessed me with removing my blindness to others and great thing happened.

• Are you being petty?
• Are you too blind to see what GOD sees in “that” person?
• Do you murmur about “those” people?
• Can you reduce your complaining and gossiping and begin praising GOD for  HIS blessings?