Story Published:
Jul 15, 2011 at 9:59 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 15, 2011 at 9:59 AM CDT
Once in a small room, a group of ministers gathered to answer the question, "Who was the greatest disciple?"
Many obvious choices were made: Peter, John, James, Matthew, Andrew, Phillip, and Thomas.
But one minister shocked them all by stating that he believed Judas Iscariot was the greatest disciple of all.
"Why?" they asked. He said, "because it was Judas that got Jesus to the cross."
You see, we have many "haters" in life - those who seek to aid us in failing and falling and faltering.
Joseph's haters were his older brothers who sold him into slavery because they were jealous of his relationship with their father. But Joseph's haters actually did him and thousands of others a favor.
Joseph, through many trials, became the second in command in Egypt; second to Pharaoh only. In that position, he saved the lives of thousands during the time of famine. In Gethsemane, Judas made sure the soldiers knew which one was Jesus.
This is what led to Jesus dying on a cross for you and me. What about you? Do you have any haters? Do you have any enemies? Well, instead of asking God to get rid of them, slow down and think about it. Joseph's haters placed him in a high position in Egypt. Jesus' haters put him on a cross to die for us and then rise for us.
Hmmmm???
Listen, God knew of your haters before you did. And God's plan for your success was established long before their plan for your demise. Believe me, God always has better plans. Why? Because God's plans WORK! "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to God's purpose." (Romans 8:28)
So let the haters hate and you sleep well tonight. You will need your rest and strength in order to handle the position they've helped you get - all to the glory of God!
The writer of this article, Rev. Rice serves as the Associate Pastor at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church and has recently earned his Doctorate in Ministry from the Austin Theological Seminary in Austin, TX.
The church's senior pastor, Dr. Charles McCaskey, has served at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over thirty years, and served in the U.S. Armed Forces prior to his tenure at FCPC. For more information on this church on 10th Street in Cookeville, click here.
