Morning by Morning, March 22 - What Does God Need?
"When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples and said to them, 'Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately'" (Mark 11:1-3).
What could God ever need? How could the Lord have need of anything? You are all-sufficient, all-knowing, all-powerful. You are our "All in All" (1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:23). And yet, at the same time, the Word says You were in need of a donkey for Your triumphal, yet humble, entry into Jerusalem for the holy week before Your crucifixion and resurrection.
Centuries before, by the Spirit of God, Zechariah had prophesied of this joyful day that Messiah would come riding into Jerusalem: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your King comes to you; triumphant and victorious is He, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). But though it was prophesied and pre-ordained by God, there was yet a part to be fulfilled by man. You had need of a donkey; and You had need of the obedience of Your disciples to go and get it and bring it You, that the prophecies and promises of God would be fulfilled.
It's the same for us today. It's Your will that none should perish, but that all would turn to You in repentance and faith to believe and embrace Your mercy and love (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). But at the same time, You extend Your invitation through us, in the part of Your plan to be fulfilled in obedience by man. "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
In a sense, You have chosen in Your sovereignty to be in need of us--needing us to be obedient to You to go and share this good news of Your mercy and love. "For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:13-15 NLT)
Here I am, Lord; send me (Isaiah 6:8). Anoint me and empower me to be one of Your messengers of Your good news (Matthew 28:19). I'm happy to go and fetch Your donkey. I'd be happy to be Your donkey, to carry You and the good news of Your mercy and love to all who desperately need to know You and Your love for them. You've done Your part. Now, in the power of Your grace, may I be found faithful to do mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My Friend, I pray you are anointed and empowered by the Spirit of God to go and carry Jesus and His message of mercy and love everywhere He sends you with great joy and faithful obedience, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Friends, please come join us this weekend (March 23-24, 2018) at the Francis Asbury Society Headquarters in Wilmore, Kentucky just outside Lexington for the Kingdom Glory Conference, hosted by Voice of Joy Ministries. I'll be speaking on Friday Morning and Friday Night on Kingdom Authority and Kingdom Power. Come if you can and spread the word!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
