Daily Light - October 4, 2010

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's,

and asked him to put out a little from the land."

Luke 5:3

Availability. This is one of the most important words in the kingdom of God, but it has been the casualty of many other words that men have found to be more important. Men love to focus on words like talent, charisma, or ability. We often laud people who have a certain skill set or a dynamic personality. When we see those types of people, we feel that they will surely make a difference in God's kingdom. If they can't be used, then who can?

As you read this account, you do not see Jesus choose this place or this time for any of the human reasons mentioned above. He needed a platform from which to speak because of the large crowd standing around the lake. There were two boats sitting on the shore while the fishermen that operated them were washing out their nets. We read nothing of the unique characteristics of these boats. The Bible does not tell us how large they were, how they were designed, or what features they had that made them different from other boats. They were simply two normal fishing boats that were available for use. Jesus climbed over the side of the boat and asked one of the fishermen to push it away from the shore so that He could teach. They did just that, and the boat served its purpose very well.

There are times that we feel like those boats. We are docked close to the shore with nothing unique about us. We look around at the lives of others and we see so many more people with a certain set of gifts or abilities that seem to be much more profitable to God. They have talents and skills that we can only dream about. When they walk into a room, every one turns to look at them. When we walk into a room, every one turns to look away. There is nothing special about our lives, or so we think. We want to be used of God, but what do we have to offer? Then one day Jesus walks into our lives. He steps into our frail little boats and says, "I want to use you." Why would He want to do that? He wants to do that, because He is not looking for someone with great ability. No, He is simply looking for someone that will be available to accomplish His purpose. Throughout Scripture God took the small and made it great. Always remember that little is much when God is in it.

May you be available for God's purposes today!