For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. Acts 13:36-37
God chooses to use people to serve his purposes. God could’ve created robots or puppets but rather he gives us the privilege of being involved in his plans. Since God’s plans are eternal we are involved in something that has lasting significance. We can “leave our mark” on the world by being connected to the one with who has already left and continues to leave, his mark on the world.
The tasks God gives us aren’t beyond us. In this chapter, we also read that “As John was completing his work …” (verse 25). John the Baptist and David completed the tasks God gave them to do. Vastly different tasks but both God-initiated tasks. David made many mistakes in his personal life, yet God looked at his heart and said, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (verse 22).
John the Baptist had moments of doubt. He testified that Jesus was the Son of God, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me …” (John 1:32-34). However later he was not so sure, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Yet ultimately John completed the task God gave him.
God isn’t looking for perfect performance, but a right heart attitude. Then God can equip us, to complete our God-given tasks.
