Next to Greatness

There are many people who have achieved greatness throughout history. Some are recognized in the secular world and others in the religious world. But, only a few are recognized in the spiritual world, before they were ever recognized in the natural realms. Some of these individual were considered odd initially because they defied the norm. They walked to the beat of a different drum. Because they stayed true to themselves and their maker. A call was placed on them that they could not deny, despite of what others thought of them.

Sometimes greatness is confused with popularity. One has more to do with emotions or fade, while the other add to the quality of life, only few change the heart. Certain technology has had a great influence on society, such as the electricity, automobile, airplanes and the computer. Yet, people have lived for thousand of years without them and we still could, but it's sure nice to have them. However, God wanted to alleviate some of the harshness of life and simplify some things as the worlds population grew, so He inspired men to invent certain things to help us. God also helped them discovered the elements they needed to make them possible, so we could enjoy life a little easier. But sometimes we have allowed many of those things to control our life and time instead.

Every segment of society also has their icons or idols that have  accomplished great things, from sports, music, the arts, medicine, education, business, and political and even some world and religious leaders. Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, William Wilberforce, Churchill, Einstein and Michel Angelo are just a few of these great men. There have also been a number of great spiritual men and women throughout history that paved the way for others to follow. Such as William Branham, Mother Teresa, Charles Finny, Madame Jeanne Guyon, St. John of the Cross and Joan of Arch. These people had a great passion for God that helped change the hearts of mankind. Another thing that these spiritual people had in common was that there was always few close friends who were greatly affected by their lives.

Even in Bible history there where great men. Foremost there was Abraham then there was Jacob, Moses, David, Elijah, John the Baptist and some of the Apostles just to list a few. But most of all, there was Jesus. (Without Jesus Christ the rest of the great men and women in the world would be irrelevant.) Yet, next to all these great men there were friends, family and wives who usually didn't realize how great they would become or the influence they would have on the rest of the world, when they first met or raised them.

Today the Lord is still raising up great men and women who will change the world. Yet, to the rest of the world they my look like the average kid on the block, except for the fact that they seem to be a little bit different from the rest. Maybe some were shy and/or others were very gifted at an early age. We are seeing this today in art and music and even in IQ's. But there are still others that have a anointing on them that was placed on them before they were born. Only God knows their greatness until He is ready to exalt them, Just like He did with Joseph in the land of Egypt. For many years Joseph was a slave and in prison and the next moment he was in the palace of Pharaoh, ruling Egypt. The results of that saved a kingdom and a nation.

Joan of Arch unified the nation of France and it cost her dearly. Many questioned her calling and her ability. Others laughed, mocked and called her names. Yet she accomplished the Lord will. 

The Lord has told us one evening that He has special plans for Sarah Palin and that He has placed a host of angels around her and her family, and that we should pray for her. Yet, just think that her husband and her family never realized just how  special she really is, including Sarah herself. God also has plans for other men and women that will be accomplished in  just the right time and way, despite people's foolishness thought or accusations.

The apostle Peter once stood before Jesus stating, "We have left everything and followed you; what then will there be for us?" (Matthew 19:27) In regards to the statement, the Lord said one evening, that Peter was wondering what's in it for us? What reward will we get? 

This is often a typical response from most people. We usually need some motivation before we're willing do something and God doesn't fault us for that. He know our heart better than we do. And He knows how to get us from one place to another. Even as He did with Abraham. It seem because of our flesh nature, we often don't usually do something just because it's the right thing to do. Or see a higher value beyond ourselves.

Such seem to be the case for Peter at that time. He was becoming discontent, just like King David did when he first spotted Bathsheba. Now Peter was standing in front of the greatest man on earth, Jesus Christ,  the "King of kings and Lord of lords," the "pearl of great price" and he still wanted more. Jesus ignored Peter's weakness and instead spoke destiny to them. That one day they would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Something that was eternal and not just temporal. (Matthew 19:28) The thing Peter didn't realize at the time is that Jesus alone should have been enough. We should seek Christ not for the gifts or the rewards, but for who He is. God's heart is that we become one with Him, not whether we are prosperous 0r gifted.

Yet, Jesus still promises those who leave family and/or possessions for the sake of the kingdom of God would receive many times greater in this age and in the age to come, eternal  life. (Luke 18:30) But most of the twelve apostles didn't see many of the material things in the first part of that promise, yet they did get to see Jesus face to face and all His examples and miracles, that in itself was worth a bundle. 

Since then there have been many Christians who have been greatly blessed with material and spiritual things, because of their sacrifices. Yet, the eternal rewards will far out weigh the material ones. However, we will see greater blessings poured out in the near future, because more people are learning the true meaning of sacrifice. But mostly, because of the awesome love and grace of the Father.

We too are placed in the same position as Peter. What are we looking for or at, and will it be enough? Will we become discontent and want more or something we think is greater? Are we willing to forsake everything and embrace the Heavenly Father as our only inheritance? Once we begin to see and understand that you just might hear Him say. "All that I am and all that I have, and all that I reveal Myself to be I will give you."

Note: Some people have had the privilege being in the shadow of some "chosen vessel" that God is using to change the world. As a friend to them, some of God's glory and anointing that is on that person, will be transferred to others because of covenant. ("I will bless those who bless you.") In the process you may even find that you may have been chosen also. As their close friend, you have also seen and learned some important things that will benefit you and others as well. Be thankful and use that knowledge and wisdom to your advantage and for the Kingdom of God.


Remember, You could be standing next to greatness today and not even realize it. But, if your standing next to Jesus, hopefully you will.