A Better Way

Expansion. Did you know Christ is equipping you and I for expansion?

Naturally, we lean towards the good when we think expansion. Like Jabez's "enlarge my territory"...

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. ~1 Chronicles 4:10 New International Version

And expansion is good, but it doesn't mean it will feel good at the time. To expand is to move, to break ground, to shake things up.

Are you ready to shake things up?

Shake It Up!

Similar to Jabez, the mode of expansion in Luke 10 infers one thing - influence.

Show me better, Lord. Give me better, Lord. Use me for better, Lord. Expand my capacity to bring better into your kingdom.

I'll ask you again. Are you ready to shake things up?

Jesus sent the faithful seventy-two out not only to expand the kingdom, but to expand how they saw themselves in the kingdom.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” ~Luke 10:17-20 NIV

Christ: The Better Way

There's a special joy that comes when we can be used by God.

A better joy.

Knowing God will use you for expansion even gives a different perspective to the Good Samaritan story, doesn't it? Jesus told the story because an expert on the law asked the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ~Luke 10:36-37 NIV

Mercy. It's a better way to love.