All of us will leave a mark on those around us. Will it be a bruise or a blessing?
Joshua left a mark because of his COURAGE (Joshua 1:1-9).
Courage starts in your mind. It is the ability to choose to believe something different than what you can see. It is the ability to shut out the voices of distraction and stress in order to listen to an audience of One. It is the mindset of courage that helps you act with confidence even when you are afraid.
It is cultivated, through meditation on the Word of God. That’s why God told Joshua in verse 8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Because Joshua listened and wasn’t self-reliant, but God reliant battle after battle after battle was won! Joshua got to be “that guy!” the one that led God’s people to actually enter the Land of Promise.
Daniel made a mark because of his COMMITMENT. Taken captive as a teenage boy, he defied the government of Babylon on more than one occasion. He wasn’t willing to just “go with the flow” because it would mean breaking commitments he had made to God. Even when he faced death in the lion’s den, he wouldn’t break his commitment to pray to God.
Christians, we are not called to be chameleons. There should be distinct differences between the way we live and the way the world lives. Our faith isn’t to be turned on and off like a light switch. It is most effective and shines the brightest in the dark.
How did Daniel’s commitment leave a mark? He lived during the reign of two different kings, Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, and BOTH of them turned to acknowledge the God of Heaven as a result of Daniel’s commitment! That is huge! Two national leaders gave God praise and glory because of the commitment of Daniel.
Jonathan made a mark on David through his FRIENDSHIP.
Jonathan’s dad, King Saul, was out to kill David. But Jonathan was a true friend to David and pledged to assist him and ensure his safety. Jonathan was a wonderful example of the Scripture, in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
The special thing about David and Jonathan’s friendship was the bond they shared in the Lord. It was a spiritual friendship. (1 Samuel 20:42)
Well, when King Saul died, David became the King. He thought so much of Jonathan and his friendship that even though Jonathan had passed on too, David wanted to honor his memory and honor their friendship.
David learned that one of Jonathan’s sons was left. His name was Mephibosheth, and he was “lame in both feet.” David had him brought to the palace to live. Mephibosheth went from living in hiding and obscurity to eating at the King’s table for the rest of his life all because of the friendship his father, Jonathan, had shown to David. Friendship extends beyond the person and leaves a mark as a ripple effect in the lives of others connected to the friend.
Courage, commitment, and friendship, they’ll all leave a mark. Go mark someone’s life this week in the name of Jesus!
Pastor Melissa
