From “Woe!” to “Go!”

Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! (Psalm 120:5)

When Jesus prayed His high priestly prayer for His people, He did not pray that we would be taken out of this world, but that we would be protected from the evil one (John 17:15). We must embrace this truth today: What Jesus did not pray for us we must never pray for ourselves.

It is wrong to cry “Woe is me!” and wish to be received into glory. We have been left here to carry out God’s work in this world, just as our Lord did when He walked the streets of Palestine. We are in this world, but we are not of this world, and we are called to impact this world for the glory of our God. Jesus has sent us out into this world to be salt and light, and we are to prayerfully do everything we can, relying on His wisdom and strength, to preserve what good there is in the world around us and to shine His light into every dark place.

Where would you expect to find a doctor except where you find the sick in need of his or her care? Where would you expect to find a soldier expect where you find the battle raging? So too with the saints of God. We are to be found wherever Jesus is needed — and that, beloved, is everywhere on this side of the grave. To be sure, we dwell in Meshech and live among the tents of Kedar; our world is filled with the powers of darkness and the forces of evil at every turn. But this is the very reason that our Savior did not ask for us to be taken out of the world, but rather that we would be strengthened and protected to live in it.

Remember, God has not commissioned us to expand His kingdom in this world in our own strength. We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to do all that He has called us to do; when we do that, we are bringing glory to God and eternal good to all those we come in contact with. So if you find yourself weary in your witness, remember it is wrong to cry “Woe!” when you know that your Savior has commanded you to “Go!”

Let these words from Paul encourage you and propel you forward in your ministry of service to God. The apostle Paul knew what it meant to transform the confession of our lives from “Woe” to “G0!”

I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:23-24)

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!