The Fullback

Isaiah 45:1-2

1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut. 2  I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

This week we are going out to witness, and like Cyrus, we walk in confidence to this spiritual war ground, not because of who we are, but because of who holds our hand. 

What we see here is that God reminds Cyrus and us, that he is anointed, which means, God is with him, on him and working through him.  We are hitting the streets, entering the battle, and we must remember that we have Gods' anointing and presence with us.  We must enter in to the harvest, knowing that it is plenteous, but also that it is rip for the picking. 

Now, it is important that we know that God is not just with us, but that we recognize that God goes before us.   God tells Cyrus, before you get to the mountain, it will be leveled.  Before you get to the crocked path it will be made straight.  Before you encounter the stumbling block, it has been smooth out or removed from the path.  In other words, God runs through the hole and picks up the blockers, so that we can score touchdowns for Him.  When we do this, the Bible says there is a great party in heaven, the angels are cheering and praise fills the temple, all because we followed the blocking and ran for God. 

Our responsibility is to get the ball, run, and don't fumble.  We must first get the ball.  Except the challenge and responsibility to share your faith.  Next we must run.  This means there must be more than talk.  It's time for us to stop talking about the sinner and start talking to the sinner.  Next, don't fumble.  First, fumbling happens most when one is not paying attention and also when one plays with fear.  Let us not be timid with our faith, tipping to the line of scrimmage.  Let's run with authority, not fearing what might lay ahead.  We must trust our blocking.

Last, we must not fear the judgment that is out there.  God says, before you go, I will disarm the kings.  In this we see, that the king and his army will be rendered powerless against us.  This is important because many of us find ourselves fearful of witnessing, because of our former life and our former witness.  God says, don't worry about that.  I have gone before you and disarmed the enemy. I have worked in your life for a change, and have prepared the people that you will encounter for the change. 

Ok, they might judge you.  Call you by your nickname.  Recall some wild and crazy stories.  Offer you a chance to come back to the dark side.  These things can make us feel very bad, but in still, God says that the words, the stories, the nicknames, the offers have been rendered powerless.  They are like cap guns to the changed man.  They look dangerous, but they don't discourage or strike fear. 

Let's hit the street and share Christ today.  He has already gone before you!!!!