2nd Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

If I could think of a single verse in the entire Bible to describe my brother Doug this would be it. I have seen firsthand and have been the recipient of the power of God as it flows through Doug.
On many occasions I have asked him where he wants me to read to him and invariably he tells me Matthew 21.
As I read it to him I keep waiting for something to grab my attention as to why this passage of scripture is so important to him.
Finally I simply ask him what he likes so well about this chapter. He tells me “His voice.” On another occasion he tells me “I just can’t forget it.”
Apparently Doug is hearing something I’m not but with the Lord’s help I will get it.

My answer comes about 2 a.m. February 25, 2014.
In Matthew 21:3 Jesus makes what I think is a very unusual statement. He says “The Lord has need of them.”  The Lord of Glory, Almighty God, has need of something?

If we are ever going to touch this world the way God wants we could learn a few lessons on how to do it from Doug.
Things are so simple for him.
He believes that The Lord is His shepherd, therefore he shall not want, he is safe, it is well with his soul, and he knows His Shepherd is taking care of him.
God needs a people that will keep it that simple.

In Matthew 21:9 the people are crying “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
Hosanna means “oh save; an exclamation of adoration.” Blessed means “to speak well of.”
Doug never complains.
God needs a people that adore Him, that have looked to Him for salvation and that speak well of Him in the face of a world that doesn’t seem to want to hear about His salvation.

In Matthew 21:16 Jesus asked the religious “know it alls” a very pointed question about the power of praise. “Have you never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (Psalm 8:2 “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou might still the enemy and the avenger.)

One of the definitions of “babes” is “a simple minded person.”
Doug is incredibly grateful and quick to praise God no matter what. If the sun is shining or its pouring rain Doug is quick to tell you “it’s a beautiful day.”
God needs a people that will learn “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1st Thessalonians 5:18).
He needs a people that will quit cowering and put their enemy to flight by simply praising Him.

In Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus teaches that by our faith in Him we can take authority over anything that rises against us and by prayer we can remove any obstacle we encounter.
Doug doesn’t doubt and apparently, when he talks to His Shepherd he believes He listens and responds to him.
God needs a people that will pray with the indisputable authority Jesus Christ has given us and believe that He listens to us and grants the petitions we ask of Him.

Indeed Doug is the recipient of God’s amazing grace and a vessel that He continues to use to impart that grace to me and others.

Well done, good and faithful servant. We love you.