Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Joshua
Scripture: Exodus 17:10 Exodus 24:12-13
Clap and Cheer
Exodus 24:12-13
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them." So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
Clap and Cheer
Little Jamie Scott was trying out for a part in his school play. His mother knew he had his heart set on being in the play, but she feared he wouldn't be chosen.
On the day the parts were awarded, apprehensively she picked him up after school. To her surprise, Jamie came rushing out, his eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom!" he shouted. "I have a part! I've been chosen to clap and cheer."
God calls some of us to be in the limelight; others He calls to "clap and cheer." At this point in his life, Joshua was asked to do the latter. It would be 40 years before he became the leader of Israel. In the meantime, he was a supporter and assistant to Moses.
And he did it well. Whether it was battling with the Amalekites (Ex. 17:10) or providing moral support as Moses met with the Lord on Mount Sinai, Joshua served the Lord by being an encouragement to the His servant.
Those whom God calls to serve Him in leadership face many challenges. Often they carry deep responsibilities and heavy spiritual burdens. At times they are the target of malicious gossip or hurtful behavior. You can understand how important it is that they have around them some mature believers who are there to "clap and cheer" for them. What a blessing such encouragement can be!
Have you given any thought to how you might be an encouragement to the servants of God whom you know? Who encourages your pastor or his wife? Who cheers on the Sunday school teacher or the workers at the homeless shelter? What can you do today to lighten their load and lift their spirits?
Too many are prone to criticize and complain. Perhaps God has a part for you. Commit yourself to "clap and cheer" and you'll be the hit of the play.
Be a cheerleader, not a jeer-leader.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Acts 4:29-29
Enable Thy Servants
Many of our prayers are for a quick and easy solution. God is more glorified in his people when they exhibit his grace under pressure. When Peter and John had been discharged by the rulers, elders, and doctors of the Jewish law with orders not to speak again in the name of Jesus, the Christians prayed about it--"They raised their voices as one man and called upon God." Their prayer was not, "Make these people stop persecuting Thy servant," but, remembering the word of prophecy concerning how the Messiah was to be treated, they asked God only to notice what was happening to his servants and to enable them to speak with boldness (Acts 4:29 NEB).
We, too, may bring any difficult situation to our heavenly Father, laying it before his eyes, and asking not for instant escape but for "enablement"--for strength to sustain the burden and do what we ought to do without the fear of man.