7-24-14 Fame

"Don't you wanna be famous?" "With your talent, you could make it big!" "You need to get an agent and travel if you hope to make it in this business."

I am amazed at the number of people with great talent that are not looking for fame and fortune.  They prefer to use it for God's glory.  They prefer to minister through their local church.  They would rather stay in one place to raise their families than go on the road.  They have absolutely no concern or desire to show themselves to the world. They prefer that God work through them to help those He desires to help with their talents.

Jesus had been avoiding the Jews because they wanted to kill Him. Now, some brethren (whether believers or family doesn't matter) told him to go into Judea.  They said He needed "go on the road with His show." They felt that if Jesus was going to "do these things," He should "show Himself to the world."  They appealed to His human ego to do what it took to gain popularity. However, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). His purpose was not making a name for Himself as a miracle worker, a great teacher or healer. It was to secure salvation for all men.

Jesus knew that when the time came, so would his fame, then controversy, betrayal and death.

"His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." John 7:3-4.


© copyright Kevin T Boekhoff


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