You’re not much to look at…
God posted it in BIG BLOCK LETTERS to Jacob, this eternal covenant with Israel:
Even though you’re not much to look at, a few straggling strangers…
I give you the land of Canaan, this is your inheritance…
—1 Chronicles 16:17–19 adapted from the Message Bible
This SimpleChurch Success project that I find myself involved in is admittedly,
- “…not much to look at…”
- “…a few straggling strangers…”
And I laugh out loud at how honest and wise God was back in the day with Israel—and now with us.
Bob Dylan’s song helps us with perspectives:
“When He Returns”
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask.
How long can you falsify and deny what is real?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned.
He’s got plans of His own to set up His throne, when He returns
Copyright © 1979 by Special Rider Music
Stragglers welcome…
I don’t offer my picture much to appeal to the eyes. I’m not much to hear either. Lots of folks don’t want to hear from God if it objects to their pulpit and pew version of church and exposes it as evil. Not just a little disobedient. Severe disobedient. Even rejecting the deity of Christ in their walk. I’m okay with that. Jesus had the same assignment. Speak and live the gospel. 1 Cor. 9:14. But that’s been twisted by hired Bible experts with the most degrees so they can be translators. They make it preach and get paid by the gospel. Wow, that is tragic perversion of gospel delivery. 47 out of 50 English translations are perverted. I’m up against the pretty boys with great oratory skills and Bible degrees to flaunt. I’m ok with that. I’m a farmer, a seed planter of “the word of God.” Just like in the parable of the soils. Those who plant and those who water are nothing but only God gives the increase. 1 Cor. 3:7. That’s a good deal. It’s worth “straggling” for.