In the last week or so I’ve been working my way through The Old Testament Book of Zechariah for my devotional time with the Lord. Zechariah ministered during the period Israel was moving back into the Holy Land following their 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Why were they in Babylon? According to The Bible it was because of their unfaithfulness to God.

          Miraculously, Israel turns back to the Lord and is restored to their homeland. That alone must have been a tremendous encouragement to the Israelites. But then they receive this incredible message from God. Speaking through the prophet Zechariah: 

          “This is what the Lord Almighty says, “In those days ten men from all       languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe       and say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with You.” (Zechariah 8:23, NIV)

          Now, this word of prophecy pertains mainly to the future coming of the Messiah when people from every ethnicity will make their way to Jerusalem to worship Him. It’s a truly beautiful picture that is particularly fitting for our divisive times. It won’t come soon enough! 

          Yet, I think there is an underlying truth here that all followers of Jesus Christ must take to heart and put into practice. That truth is that real godly character attracts others to the Lord. Are others who don’t know the Lord drawn to Him because you consistently are reflecting Him? Do people see His love in you? Do they see His grace, and mercy, concern and care exhibited in your life, in your activities, attitudes, and priorities?

          We often feel helpless to make any substantial difference in our world. We toss up our hands and say, “What could I possibly do?” Most of us are not people of great power, persuasion, or influence. We possess limited resources. We’re poorly positioned. There are a thousand reasons why we might resign ourselves to the ranks of the inconsequential. God, however, is well accomplished in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things and advance His Kingdom here on earth. I’m reminded of how God took a shepherd’s staff and transformed it into “The Rod of God” and how he took an old has-been named Moses and used him to deliver an entire nation from slavery and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Think of what He was able to accomplish with a teenage shepherd boy and his sling, or a handful of simple fishermen!

In “Him who is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever dream”, Pastor Paul