Newsletter Vol.3, #19—June 3, 2007

Matthew 10 ⁴²And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

The Almighty God

by Dan S. Shipley

The omnipotence that belongs to God is difficult for the finite mind to grasp. It is unlike any power of mortals. Whatever man wills is not realized except by means. With God, means are unnecessary. He wills it and it is done. He says, "Let there be light" and there is light. Such is the incredible power that makes time stand still; that calms the stormy wind and waves with but a word and that causes even the dead to render ready response to its command. Truly, "great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend" (Job 37:5).  No wonder then the reference to Himself as "the almighty God" (Gen.17:1); the One with whom "all things are possible," as Jesus puts it (Matt.19:26).

Infinite power is complimented and directed by infinite wisdom, love and righteousness. Accordingly, such power is never used recklessly nor wrongfully. Every manifestation of Divine power is exactly as purposed by Divine wisdom; nothing is incidental or accidental. What God produced with His creative power was precisely what he willed ("And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" [Gen.1:31]). Spiritually, man was made in a pure and perfect state; physically, "God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him" (1 Cor.12:18). Note: By Divine creative power, God set (from Gr. TITHEMI, "to put, to place") the various members in the human body -- they didn't get there through a process of evolution! God is the first and efficient cause. Creation demands a creator; life, a life-giver; law, a law-giver; design, a designer. Almighty God is all of these and more.

Not only does God have the power to know all things at all times and the power to make something from nothing, He also has the unique power of presence -- the ability to be in all places at once. As Paul says, "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27). His abiding presence is pictured by the Psalmist (139:3-12) and is implied by the writer of Hebrews in recalling His promise: "I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee" (13:5). Remembering that He is a witness to every thought, word and deed of every man ought to encourage a better conduct. In prayer we sometimes speak of "coming into His presence"; but really, we never leave it. (Do we fear or appreciate His presence -- or both?)

Since God's power is immutable (unchanging, "eternal," Rom.1:20), it is never diminished nor abated in any way -- even when exercised through men. The power employed by the apostles was from "on high," which they readily acknowledged (Acts 3:12; 15:12).  How unusual then, that modern-day "faith-healers" who claim the same power from the same source should have such different results! Divine power never fails; it is instantaneous and complete, independent of the subject's faith. Many still err, "not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matt.22:29).

To believe in God is to believe in His great power, in His authority and sovereignty. He alone has the power to save and destroy (James 1:12; Matt.10:28) -- and to provide all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet.1:3).  He IS almighty!

-- Via Plain Talk, April 1973

The One Not Chosen:

Joseph Barsabbas

by Tony Mauck

Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sthur, Nahbi, Geuel -- any of those names ring a bell? Probably not. Joshua and Caleb? "Oh, yeah, I remember them." Ten names that will go down in infamy. We hardly recall their names because they are the ten spies who came back with the faithless report about taking the land of promise. We remember Joshua and Caleb because of their contrasting response, their great confidence in God to be able to deliver what He promised.

Let's try another: Matthias. Sure, you remember Him too. He was the one who was selected to replace Judas Iscariot and be numbered among the apostles (Acts 1:21-26). How well do you remember the other disciple whose name was thrown into the hat with Matthias, the one not chosen to be numbered among the 12? The name Joseph Barsabbas is likely not on the tip of your tongue. Most likely, he who was also called Justus would not make your list of great Bible characters.

Not that we should equally compare Joseph Barsabbas with the ten names of infamy aforementioned, but he is often passed over nonetheless because he was not chosen. Not to be confused with evil Barrabas or Joseph who was called Barnabas by the apostles, Joseph Barsabbas is perhaps an under-appreciated disciple of the Lord.

What if you had been Joseph Barsabbas the day the lot fell upon Matthias and not you? It hurts to be passed over. Would feelings of inadequacy and disappointment have beset you? Did he pause to think, "I wonder why God chose Matthias and not me"?

Have you ever felt passed over, unappreciated, unacknowledged or undervalued in the Lord's cause? The story of Joseph Barsabbas is for you. Four observations about this disciple in Scripture:

Though Not Chosen, Chosen of God

Despite not being numbered among the 12, Joseph could find consolation that he was still numbered among the people of God, the chosen, Eph.1:4; Col.3:12; 1 Pet.2:9.  "Chosen of God" is a place of honor or blessing even if we are not chosen for other tasks in God's kingdom or our deeds for the Lord go unnoticed by others.

All Are Not Apostles, Are They?

Everyone could not serve as an apostle of our Lord (only 12 positions available!). In 1 Cor.12:29-30, Paul could well have said, "Remember Joseph Barsabbas."  Not everyone could be a tongue-speaker or miracle-worker in Corinth, but everyone could practice the love of Christ, 1 Cor.13:31 through 14:1. Everyone cannot serve as elder. Everyone cannot effectively fill a pulpit. No room exists in the kingdom for rivalry, competition, envy and jealousy, Eph.4:1-3.

Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice

The challenge to be selfless can be no greater than right here. I would like to think Joseph congratulated Matthias, patted him on the back, offered support and said something to this effect: "I'm glad for you, brother. May the Lord bless us both as we continue to strive for His kingdom and glory!"  For many, the first part of Rom.12:15 is much harder to do than the second part.

It's okay if someone else gets the nod other than me. We should rejoice in how the Lord is able to use them. It's okay if someone gets praised, noticed, and I do not. Remember, the Lord always notices, Heb.6:10.

Excel Still More

Joseph Barsabbas was not being rejected as a Christian. Who really knows why God chose Matthias over him? Certainly, yield in the kingdom varies from disciple to disciple, Luke 8:15. Not everyone can be the five-talent man, Matt.25:14-30. Joseph's non-selection changed nothing. His mission was still to see maximum yield for his Lord and King.

How are you going to handle disappointment in the kingdom and in life for that matter? How will you respond to the selection of others above yourself?

Ø     Do not wallow in self-pity.

Ø     Determine to imitate Christ in your thinking and character to the best of your ability.

Ø     Cultivate your talent. Tap into all of your ability for service in the kingdom. Who knows what the Lord may yet be able to do through you?

Ø     Kill jealousy and rivalry in your heart. Rejoice with, acknowledge, appreciate and encourage those who excel among us, 1 Thess.5:11-18.

Ø     Stay focused in your aim and constant effort to fulfill the greatest command, Mark 12:30-31.

Chosen of God is enough! It's more than enough. It's the ultimate.

-- Via Abundant Life, April 2005