Power In Weakness
1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh. 2 For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel." 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. (2 Samuel 5:1-3)
Although David had been chosen by God and anointed by Samuel to be king, the people of Israel had also been paying attention. They noticed that, while Saul had ruled "over" them, David had "led" them like the shepherd he had been. So after Saul's death, the people - all twelve tribes - affirmed and anointed David as king. Almost immediately David would show his limitations in compassion and his weakness of insecurity as he, in verses 6-8, would target the blind and lame based on a sarcastic threat. In spite of, and in the midst of, this inhumane humanness God still undergirded David and his leadership flourished.
4 Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. (Mark 6:4-7)
Jesus had been moving around the region healing, teaching, and receiving praise, but the people of his hometown were unimpressed. Rather than attempt to convince them, or justify himself, Jesus stepped back and sent his disciples out to do the healing that the community was not willing to receive from him. Though disappointed, Jesus was not daunted and ministry was still accomplished.
When we get out of the way rather than making excuses for our weaknesses, our sin, our unbelief - or those of others - the power of God can take center stage. We strive to do our best and be all that we are called to be, but we don't need to be paralyzed by our imperfections or hindered by the misconceptions of others. We can trust God to do what only God can do!
7b Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
(2 Corinthians 12:7b-9)
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