Sometimes we have to take one on the chin for the little guy.
What does that mean, and who is the little guy? In this case, we’re talking about the inexperienced person, the underachiever, the one who hasn’t had the opportunity to mature into the fullness of who they will eventually become.
Taking it on the chin for the little guy is why we stand up for children’s rights, refuse to tolerate abuse of the weak, and champion the abolition of animal cruelty, even when it costs us time, money, and social standing. The powerful have no right to “whup it up” on those weaker than themselves.
What about when God is the one about to do the whupping?
Exodus 32:10 follows on the heels of Moses and the Tablets emblazoned with the Ten Commandments (Glorious!) and the golden calf made by Aaron and the children of Israel (Sacrilege!):
“Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of you a great nation.”
Notice Moses’ newly favored status. God says he intends to start anew, wiping his hand of the Israelites and making Moses the progenitor of his chosen people. This was Moses’ chance. The children of Israel had slipped royally, and he could step in and fill the slot. Moses had it made in the shade.
Moses had a heart for the little guy, however, and he reminded God of his promises. Moses gave up his opportunity to become the father of three religions. Moses championed the spiritually immature people he had guided out of Egypt. God had all the power, but Moses was filled with compassion.
Moses stepped into the line of fire, and Exodus 32:14 tells us:
“And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”
We can make a difference, even when God says, “Here’s what I intend to do, so get ready.” When we lift others in prayer before the Father, we remind him of the powerlessness of the broken, the despair of the dispossessed, and the shifting sand under the feet of the spiritually immature; and God’s heart is touched.
When we step into the line of fire, even when the fire-bringer is God, we become the changing stone that sparks peace and brings a second chance unto the desperate and needy.
Risking everything for the world is what brings the world unto Jesus.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Originally Published 8-26-16 in Relationships