"Who, Me?"

“Who, Me?”

 

On most days during my freshman year in high school a group of us would wolf down our lunch then go to the athletic field for a quick game of touch football. This included Danny (not his real name) who was very overweight but jovial about it. Because he moved slowly he wasn’t often in the thick of the action. One day the designated captain said to him, “I’m throwing this one to you”, to which Danny replied, “Who, me?” and was told, “Yes, you!” The play worked and Danny scored a touchdown. From then on his participation was more enthusiastic.

The question, “Who, me?” suggests surprise at being chosen for a particular role, most likely (as in Danny’s case) because of feelings of inadequacy. But as I’ve read the Scriptures I’ve found this isn’t an unusual response to God’s call to a task. When He told Moses he would lead Israel out of captivity in Egypt he replied, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh….?” (Exodus 3:11). Or Gideon when the Lord told him he would save Israel from Midianite oppression: “…How can I save Israel?…I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15). Also consider Jeremiah when God appointed him as His prophet: “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6). Or Esther (Esther 4:11), Amos (Amos 7:14), and David (1 Samuel 18:18). In each case God promised He’d guide and equip His selectee to accomplish the assigned task. And He had confidence in those chosen to do the job.

God has given us His Word for our profit in “…teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness….” (2 Timothy 3:16). But He doesn’t stop there—its purpose is “…so that the (people) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (Verse 17). He’s also given His Spirit “…(who) will teach you all things….” (John 14:26) and gifted leaders in His church “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….” (Ephesians 4:12).

I’ve thought, “Who, me?” far too often when I sense God’s direction, usually because it would take me out of my comfort zone. But my life’s experience tells me He’ll “…meet all (my) needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). So rather than “Who, me?” may my answer be, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan