"In the Kingdom of God, there are those who are great, and those who are...well, they're just not so great."
In the sense of "those who are first shall be last, and those who are last shall be first," this is true. But in another sense, this is a flat-out lie.
One of the many, many miracles that Jesus worked in His time on earth was the healing of a demon-possessed man. This man dwelt in the hills, lived among the tombs. This man was a cutter who harmed himself no matter what people did to prevent him. This man had enough demons in him to possess two thousand pigs when they were cast out. Yes. Two thousand. That's a really super-possessed guy right there.
Obviously, his healing was a huge deal. Not only did his life completely change, but he ruined thousands of ham dinners! Not that anyone back then was eating ham dinners, but still...
Anywho. The point is, that was an astounding thing that Jesus did for this man. This guy has an awesome testimony. He would be a perfect candidate to join Jesus' ministry, follow Him everywhere He goes, and shout, "Hallelujah!" at the opportune moments.
And so, we get the following story: "As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.' So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed."
If anyone would be an amazing missionary, the first to travel to foreign lands and tell about this incredible Man named Jesus, it would be this guy. If anyone would be the perfect thirteenth apostle, it'd be this guy. If anyone should be selected to accompany Jesus on the rest of his ministry, it would be this guy, boldly proclaiming what God had done for him to all who doubted.
But Jesus says, "No. Go home."
At this point, I think I would've broken in saying, "But -- but -- but Jesus!! I want to do amazing, awesome, incredible, impossible things for you! I want to come with you! You've done so much for me, and You just want me to go home? I'm sorry, but that's not quite along the lines of the death-defying ministry I was picturing in my head..."
But Jesus says, "Go home." And the man obediently returns to the Decapolis and proclaims the Name of Jesus there. And guess what? People were amazed. He had an awesome, effective ministry, just by going home.
It is a common misconception that everyone who becomes a Christian, in order to be a real Christian, needs to go into ministry. Needs to move oversees to be a missionary. Needs to adopt seven children from China. Not so. Have you ever considered that it might be your calling to stay home? To support a husband as he works for God's kingdom, to raise children to honor their Heavenly Father? To work at a grocery store and encourage every person who comes through your line?
Absolutely everything you do can be an offering to God. Whether it's washing dishes, serving tables, teaching, or being a biologist -- there are so many opportunities to be a missionary right where you are. Not everyone is called to go to Africa; not everyone was called to be a pastor. Every single person is called to be a missionary, and to be in ministry -- but your mission field might be Anywhere, Pennsylvania. Who knows what incredible plans God has for you whatever He calls you to do?
We hear very little of Andrew in the Bible; but we do hear a great deal about his brother Peter. Peter's the one who gets all the stories, all the letters, all the remembrance. But if it weren't for Andrew, Peter never would have even met Jesus. Andrew was the first to meet Jesus, and was so excited about it that he went and took his brother to meet this remarkable Man.
Are you willing to be an Andrew, whose greatest achievement was bringing someone else to be great for Christ? Are you willing to recognize that your life can have a ripple effect, with results that you might not ever see? Are you willing to understand that every task that seems mundane can be an offering, and can have impact of eternal significance?
You are important. Your Father in heaven has amazing plans for you. They may not seem like much -- but just wait until heaven, when you get to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness!"
