music :: worship :: life
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will go to them and make our home with them.
—John 14:23 (GW)
Abba Silvanus was one of 4th century Christianity’s desert fathers. An ancient Coptic text called The Paradise of the Desert Fathers holds some accounts of his life. In his monastery at Scetis, he had a disciple named Mark who was widely known for obedience. Silvanus developed a great love for the devoted disciple, and this was the source of much envy among his other eleven disciples. When the elders heard about Abba’s favoritism, they came to chastise him. When they arrived, Silvanus gave them a tour of the monastery. As they followed, he knocked on the door of each cell and called the disciple who lived there by name, saying, “Brother, come out, I have work for you.” None of disciples responded or appeared quickly.
Finally he knocked on the door of Mark’s cell, and simply called, “Mark.” Immediately, Mark answered and came forth. Silvanus sent him on an errand and showed the elders into Mark’s cell. He picked up the manuscript Mark had been working on. The last letter he had written was part of an omega. His desire to respond to his master’s voice was so powerful, it would not let him finish even a single letter before he hastened to obey. The elders then understood, and said, “The one you love best is also the one we love, for he is God’s favorite, too.”
I have noticed that God blesses some people to a much greater extent than he does others. One of my ongoing projects has been to study the characteristics that distinguish those whose lives God blesses greatly. One of the primary traits I have identified is obedience.
How quickly do you jump up and hasten to obey when you hear your master’s voice? I’m afraid I am not always very prompt about it. In fact, I sometimes resist his call, thinking of many excuses why it won’t work: It’s not the right time. I’m not equipped for the task. I’m not the right person for it. Are you sure you have the right guy, God? Did the heavenly switchboard maybe connect you through to the wrong number? I suspect I have more in common with Jonah than with this young disciple of Silvanus.
God loves all his children, but his special favor more naturally flows onto those who are most responsive to his call. We have no right to complain about God’s favoritism if we are not all that quick to answer and obey. If his voice is not at the top of our priorities, if our response is not immediate and enthusiastic, if we do not run eager and joyful to do his will, then we cannot expect his special favor and his most extravagant blessings to pour out upon us.
“His master replied, ‘Good job! You’re a good and faithful servant! You proved that you could be trusted with a small amount. I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master’s happiness.’
—Matthew 25:21 (GW)
What is God calling you to do today?
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
—Rev. 3:20 (NIV)
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