Hosanna

By James Bell

I enjoy strategizing, think tanks, roundtables, and even a bit of theological jousting. I love to read, and have challenged bookstore managers to update and upgrade their selections. My life experience includes stints as a Pentecostal, Charismatic, Methodist (only a year for not very good reasons), Baptist (ordained), and finally a non-denominational pastor.

Now, don’t you agree that these things should qualify me to be somewhat helpful to the Lord as one who could evaluate and explain the human condition? Actually, they are some of the many reasons God does not need or seek my advice. I am one of those poor souls who often just doesn’t “get it”.

In my prayers I have offered up some ways to: end wars (okay, it involved a lot of people being wiped out), eradicate poverty (similar to Egyptian slavery); end the AIDS epidemic (don’t even ask); and establish the Spirit-filled, non-denominational stream of Christianity as the only church choice (that one would make Nixon blush).

I didn’t even get answers to my thoughtful contributions. I felt a strangeness in my spiritual connection with the Savior. I began to sense a need to repent, hit the delete button on my Spiritual Depth file, and to fall once again at the foot of the cross.

After a few times, this cycle of events led me to a rather cynical conclusion about personal revelation. Most, or at least many, personal revelations and/or epiphanies are a result of a dangerously inflated ego.

“God showed me that my destiny is to impact multitudes who have been waiting for my ministry to emerge.”

“I received this word when I was a child, that I am to be a bright light seen by many, and that I will be sought out by the leaders of nations…”

“The Lord has singled me out from among my peers as one who is more sensitive and understanding of his purpose and plan than others”

If the person who received those words would listen very carefully to what God was actually saying, he might have heard,

“I am the Lord. It’s time for you to shut up about these words.”

You know why I can write these things, don’t you? Of course, it was me. People have given me words since I was a small boy. If all the words would have come true, I would:

1. be dead.
2. have been a jockey (at 6’3″?!?).
3. have married a really ugly girl.
4. have spoken to world leaders and preached to millions in huge arenas.
5. have given money to many who gave me the words.
6. have been one messed up, egocentric, bumbling, moronic pastor.
7. have written a few books on the “top list” of Christian bookstores.
8. have been all over TBN.

I do remember the “shut up” message that I heard directly from my Master. I know that he speaks in whatever words it takes to best communicate with those He loves. Words are nothing to God except vehicles for our limited understanding to utilize. He might never say such words to you. But they were perfect for me.

I quit trying to “discover” God and his secrets so I could share them and be spiritually deep to those I wanted to impress. I turned instead to the written word of God and was blown away with it’s beauty, truth and depth of expression. I simply fell in love with the Bible.

Then God began to speak to me (and sometimes through me) prophetically. I had a template against which to test those words. Giftedness would show up when I needed it most.

That’s my story. I don’t try to persuade or instruct God about our situations down here. Not any more. I seek instead to be obedient to every word He speaks. If He lets me understand why, that’s a blessing. If not, then that’s okay, too. Just glad to be part of the “big plan”.

As a result, I seem to be blessed with so many wonderful “little things”. Grandkids, dogs, hot wings, friends, and a great wife. Seeing people baptized, tears at the altar, marriages restored, and sicknesses healed. Those “little things” are a pretty big deal, actually.

So God doesn’t need my help, but He does want to utilize me in His plan. I’m good with that, and it seems like I feel His smile a lot more. I even have this little dance of joy I do for Him….

…but you’ll never see it.

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