It’s funny how God greatest accomplishments usually come from broken men.

The story behind the composer, George Frideric Handel, in regards to the masterpiece, “Messiah” comes from the hands of a man who at the time was broken financially, physically and emotionally.  This came to the light in a recent article by Marvin Olasky entitled “God’s Hand is in it” in the recent WORLD magazine.  The article is based on an interview with Lauren Green, an accomplished pianist and religion editor for FOX news.

Since reading the article, I did a Google search on the life of Handel and found it be interesting and inspiring.  Handel was a very famous composer in his time.  He attempted to make his mark Italian opera, but struggled both with the music and with his opera company.  On the brink of disaster, Handel applied his genius and creativity in writing oratorios.  During this time of painful transition, Handel composed the “Messiah”.  Upon completion of writing the amazing “Hallelujah” chorus, the article quotes Handel as saying, “I do believe I’ve seen the gates of Heaven.”  Handel went on to find great success while living in London until his death.

Great things are done by broken man.  That seems to be a recurring theme throughout Paul’s epistles.  When we are weak, then we are strong.  It is at man’s depths, that we are exposed for what we really are — sinful, inherited flesh who amounts to nothing and anything we feel that we do accomplish is nothing but dust in the wind.  The hard realities of life leads us one of two courses — abuses and addictions for the purpose of distraction or just pure laziness.  A life given up on.  Or, there is another way.  To truly see our purpose through the words and promises of God.  We are no longer defined by what the world sees us, but renewed by the status given us — a child of God.  An heir of royalty. 

As we celebrate Christmas with loved ones, we can reflect on the King who was born in a manger.  A king who would suffer and die for the purpose of taking our place of sin, so we can be receive all glory from above.  That thought alone can bring the Merry back to Christmas.

God is looking for a few good men.

This popular phrase is used by Marine recruiters to reach out to young men who desire to grasp a hold of adventure, a dynamic purpose beyond themselves, a rewarding goal that only a few dare to attempt. Could not the same phrase be used for today’s Christian church? We need a few good men who dare to go against the tide of secular consumerism, the entanglement of competing truths, and amnesia to the great commission.

Several years ago, I came across an excellent article written by a pastor who specialized in Biblical leadership. Through careful study of leaders in the Bible, most notably Nehemiah, he offered some sound instruction and guidance.

“God is serious about the spiritual life of those who lead his people. People with superior skills but no prayer life can’t lead in Christ’s Church. Men who have a wealth of experience in administration but no experience with Scripture don’t get God’s call.”

“Spiritual leaders take the state of the church personally, agonize over it, and pray repeatedly about it. It is not the eloquence of a perfunctory prayer that opens a meeting at the church, but the passion of his private prayers that measures a leader.”

“Spiritual leaders don’t use policies or public relations to fix problems in the church; they use repentance.”

“Leaders serious about God’s work are in continuous consultation with God. Perhaps that would be more apparent if there were more prayers in the middle of meetings at church, not just at the beginning and the end. What we do when we’re stuck, how we deal with disagreement, where we turn for a decision– that is what defines spiritual difference.”

“Spiritual leaders care and dare to get angry at what opposes God, in and outside the church.”

“Spiritual leaders have a bigger agenda than building church walls. Like Nehemiah, they help people rebuild their lives with God.”

“The mark of a spiritual leader is integrity– walking the talk, modeling God’s truth and love. …It meant consistently living out what God’s Word had put into his heart.”

“Christian leaders who understand God’s Word and seek God’s will have God’s direction. It isn’t mystical, and they don’t manipulate people with it. But spiritual leaders know what God wants them to do, and they trust God to show others.”

These excellent points came from the article “Doing God’s Thing, God’s Way: Christian leaders who understand God’s Word and seek God’s will have God’s Direction” by Rev. Paul Kelm.

We get discouraged easily. When we confront texts in the Bible that encourage us to witness, teach, be a light, be salt, etc… — we feel pangs of guilt and are easily discouraged. This is especially true when we start to compare ourselves with others. I came across these two quotes this morning which I have stored in my folder for several years. Allow me to share a few with you along with some comments.

“Would be disciples of modern times need to be reminded that education, talent, and charisma have relatively little value in the kingdom. These qualities are indeed helpful to posses, but without the inner dynamic energy of the Spirit of Jesus, they are useless when it comes to doing work with an eternal purpose.” Gordon Macdonald “Questions I’d Ask Before Following Jesus” Discipleship Journal

Do you remember the prophet Samuel looking for a new king to replace Saul? In his mind, he saw brothers with great potential, but God looks somewhere else. The heart. Oh, I would love to have education, talent and charisma – but God desires something else. Passion, commitment and trust. It is through a willing heart, that we can be lead and empowered to carry out God’s will – not our own. Because, when we start to follow our own will – then it’s funny how talent, charisma and education can be our worst enemies.

“Jesus warned His disciples that they would be treated as nobodies; He never said they would be brilliant or marvelous. We all have a lurking desire to be exhibitions for God, to be put, as it were, in His show room. Jesus does not want us to be specimens. He wants us to be so taken up with Him that we never think about ourselves, and the only impression left on others by our life is that Jesus Christ is having unhindered way.” Oswald Chambers, So Send I You

I admit that I have a desire to be placed in God’s showroom. I tend to measure success in the world’s eyes, and not the definitions of success found in the Bible. Because whenever I read Scriptures, the emphasis is on a de-emphasis of self. Paul had to be weak until made strong. It’s not a depressed feeling, that considers myself worthless and unusable by God. It’s a surrender to God’s will and purpose – no matter what circumstances may surround me. Basically, it’s taking off those clothes soiled by self and putting on the robe of Christ. Upon doing so, we shake our heads in disbelief asking, “Why was I keeping those stinking clothes on?” Walking in the Spirit is shedding those clothes, taking a bath, and steeping out renewed and refreshed.