Today’s scripture: Matthew 15:29-31 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (E’sha Cooper):
Several years ago, I went to the annual Jazz Festival in Cincinnati. It’s a three-day-long event highlighting many top musical artists. On the night that attended, Patti Labelle was the featured artist. Now I knew Patti from watching her videos on BET and VH1 and most of the songs I heard I liked. So I guess I was a little curious just to see her perform.
Well, my curiosity was piqued even more when I overheard a gentleman say, “You haven’t been to a concert ’til you’ve seen Patti Labelle in concert, she’s a crowd pleaser. She loves entertaining so much that even after she goes off stage after her act, if you chant her name she’ll come back on and perform some more.” For some reason that got me really anxious to see her, and as I enjoyed the other acts (like After 7 and I think Cameo) I had developed a whole new anticipation for seeing Patti perform.
And when she came out she put on a show from start to finish, and did just like the man had described. Her performance left me with a new appreciation for her as an artist and for R&B music in general. This woman (I think she had just turned 54) danced and whirled around on stage like she was an entire band. Her performance was thrilling, inspiring, entertaining, even comical. I had a ball.
Now, you and I know that people that can entertain like that are called to do it. It’s in their veins, so to speak. Did you know that God has called you to be a crowd pleaser just like Patti Labelle or Barbara Streisand or Michael Jackson?
I know some of you are saying, ”How can I be a crowd pleaser?” In today’s lesson the Messiah reveals how easily you can be one. This is not directed toward the popular, because we know that Jesus wasn’t even accepted in His own home town. (See Matthew 13:57.) This is not for those who think they are talented because it is all by God’s grace. (See Zechariah 4:6.) So here is the formula I see in today’s scripture:
- Be ready for your crowd. (v. 29b)
- Be approachable. (v. 30a)
- Do something that will radically change someone else’s life. (v. 30b)
- Let heaven be your audience and let God get the glory. (v. 31)
Jesus did not try to make these people laugh, or show them how sorry for them He felt. He did those things that He knew would get God’s attention, and bring God glory.
I pray that from this day forward you will start to see why God draws people to you, and what you really should do for them when they’re in your presence.
Thought for the day: When I draw a crowd, is God getting a standing ovation for my performance?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.