The shaking hand of the waiter

Sunday March 28, 2021

The shaking hand of the waiter

I have been weak, fearful and all trembling in you. 1 Corinthians 2: 3

He is a waiter in a large restaurant, his black and white outfit makes him look good, but his hand sometimes shakes under the plates he brings. The food is excellent, it is the hand that is fragile.

So it is with the one who brings the Word for the calling of unbelievers as well as for the edification of the children of God.

Solomon, now king, is aware of his limits in the face of his new responsibilities : Lord, my God... So give your servant a heart capable of listening to judge your people, to distinguish good from evil ! Indeed, who would be able to judge your people, this people so important ? (1 Kings 3: 9).

Paul also felt his weakness : I, who am humble when I am among you but full of boldness towards you (2 Corinthians 10: 1 ; see also the verse of the day). He asked the believers' prayers in Ephesus so that the word (to him) might be given to boldly make known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19), that is, so that God would give him the right words. and the words that carry.

It is good to feel your own weakness and frailty, but also to know that there are resources of strength in the Lord and in his Spirit. So Paul adds : My word and my preaching were not based on the persuasive speeches of human wisdom, but on a demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2: 4). Elsewhere the Lord promises him : My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is fulfilled in weakness (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

Moses also experienced this. To the Lord who sent him to the children of Israel, Moses replied : Ah, Lord, I am not a good man to speak, and it does not date from yesterday, nor the day before yesterday, nor even from the day before. when you spoke your servant. Indeed, my mouth and tongue are embarrassed. He must then hear this reproach from God, but accompanied by a promise: Who is it that gave man a mouth ? Who makes dumb or deaf, able to see or blind ? Is it not I, the Lord ? Now go ! I will be myself with your mouth, and I will teach you what to say (Exodus 4: 10-12).

The promises made to all these men of God are valid for every servant : we can rely on them.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)