In my walk with Jesus, I struggle with obedience to Him. Giving up control of my life. Letting Him call the shots and following where ever He leads me. I kind of like being in control. Oh, you too? Really? I'm glad I'm not alone.
Please join me in welcoming Zeke Lam to Scattered Seeds today. Zeke is the founder of Submission Ministries and author of "subMISSION: Heeding Only His Voice." (more on "subMISSION" at the end of this post.) I'm looking forward to reading this book! (I would guess that God is probably looking forward to me reading it too.)
Now, here's Zeke!
Now, here's Zeke!
Spiritual Greatness
by Zeke Lam
A typical discussion concerning the word “greatness” will tend to revolve around one concept: earthly success. If one attains significant material wealth, elite athletic status, or maybe even popularity in social media, then no matter how he/she arrive there, they may be considered great. The discussion we are about to embark on is not designed to bash the concept of greatness from an earthly perspective. There is certainly nothing wrong with success, but the point to consider is simply this. Worldly greatness is always relative, therefore rendering it debatable. Spiritual greatness is divine, therefore making it irrevocable.
Let me explain with this illustration. The 2011 World Series champions walked off the field carrying the title of “greatness”. The runner-ups did not and carried the title of “loser”. However, from the perspective of a college athlete even the runner-ups would be considered great. Why? Those “runner-ups” are playing at a level that he only gets to lay in bed and dream about.
Consider the same World Series illustration. The champions that year were heroes right? Yes, to baseball fans and followers of the game. Many people around the globe consider it a shame to tie the word greatness to a group of men who are good at hitting a round ball with wood stick.
As you can see, from an earthly perspective, greatness is always relative and debatable. In Christ, our identity is not subject to debate. If we submit to His voice and obey His Word, we position ourselves for spiritual greatness. A greatness that accompanied by the approval and love of God will spark national revival. This status however is not attained by certain accomplishments or achievements. It is acquired by operating daily in a manner that submits ALL your authority to Jesus Christ and follows His voice.
Read Luke 7:6-10 for a great illustration of this topic:
Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
To have Jesus say of your faith that it is the “greatest” He has seen in all Israel is a monumental statement. What did the centurion do to merit such a comment? Was he a marvelous commander? Was he a popular leader? Perhaps, but these reasons had nothing to do with this lesson on spiritual greatness. It revolved around the fact that this man of authority had to relinquish his power so that the authority of Jesus could do the miraculous and bring healing to his friend. Despite his ability to give orders, the centurion was faced with a situation beyond his capability. As he submitted to the authority and power of Christ in this situation, he positioned himself for spiritual greatness. He witnessed and was a part of something that went beyond the scope of human possibility.
If you and I desire to witness and accomplish things that go beyond the possibilities of man, we must submit EVERY area of our lives to Christ. Whether this is on a baseball field, or the mission field, this level of submission will position you for the spiritual greatness!
(c)
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3. ISBN-13 978-1-9374-8100-1
4. ISBN-10 1-9374-8100-X
5. Author website
http://submissionministries.org/
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What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.- Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
- Is the presence of God evident in your life?
- Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
- Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
- Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?
Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia
In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas
Catrina Bradley
"God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." Psalm 18:24 (Msg)
