God can do extraordinary things with ordinary means

There was a rock whose resting place was in the desert of Zin. This rock in Kadesh lay next to other rocks of similar shapes and sizes but this rock was destined to be something more than an ordinary rock. This rock lay dormant for years as the scorching heat of the desert blew across its foundation. Over the years dust sand and debris made its home within the layers of this rock. The sun laid down on the rock as the years went by. One day God led his people the Israelites across the desert of Zin particularly to this peculiar ordinary rock. The bible says the people begin to complain to Moses about being thirsty. Since God already had a plan in mind he told Moses to speak to this rock to provide water for the Israelites. Exodus 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. This same rock that Moses struck provided water for the Israelites and their animals its purpose through history had finally been revealed. No Israelite would ever look at this rock the same again. This rock changed from just one of the rocks to THE rock. Whenever the people looked upon THIS rock now they would no longer see an ordinary rock instead they would see provision from God. All through history

this ordinary rock collected dust and debris until one day Gods purpose was revealed.

There was an ordinary bed no different from other beds in Capernaum during Jesus earthly ministry. This bed could have been used to eat on, or it could have been a thick cloth that was used for resting. This bed may have had stains or just been worn from daily use. One day this bed was used to carry a paralytic to Jesus. This bed was no different from any other bed however Jesus had a new use for this bed. As these men tried to approach Jesus they couldnt because of the crowds so the let the man down through the roof. When Jesus saw their faith he first forgave him but then he healed the man and told him to take up thy bed and walk. After that day this bed was no longer an ordinary bed. This bed now represented his old life that he was no longer restrained to. As the man walked home that day carrying his mat I am sure every time he looked at the mat he saw himself helpless and lost. Now this mat was a reminder or memorial of the miracle Jesus did in his life. This used bed would now take him back to the day Jesus healed him. As the man carried his mat home be probably had flashbacks of being carried to Jesus but now he physically carries the mat home on his own power.

Mathew 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home."

There was a sycamore tree in Jerusalem no different from any other tree in Jerusalem that had grown in that area. The branches waved against the quiet breeze. Many people passed by this ordinary tree and some perhaps sat under its branches for shade. But one particular day news of a man named Jesus drew large crowds to gather in that area. There was a rather short man named Zacchaeus that probably heard every short joke around. Zacchaeus himself probably wished he was taller but because of his short statue the crowd made it impossible to get a good look at Jesus when he passed by. Because of the way God made him short in statue this man would have never met Jesus that day if it wasnt for his size. Because he was short he climbed up in a sycamore tree to see Jesus. As Jesus passed by he noticed him and when Jesus saw hem he told him to come down for he is going to his house today. This sycamore tree no longer was an ordinary tree to Zacheaus. Every time Zacchaeus passed by this tree he would have flashbacks of Jesus face as he pointed him out in the crowd. This tree is where he had a

personal encounter with Jesus and it may have been an ordinary tree to everyone else but to Zacchaeus

it was where he was forever changed. There were trees deep in the wilderness that werent anything really to look at. These trees were cut down and transported to carpenters. The carpenters were given specific instructions and dimensions of what these trees would become. The carpenters without hesitation shaped and carved these trees into ordinary beams. This was not the first time the carpenters had made beams they have fashioned beams in the past. What the carpenters didnt know was the beam they would fashion that day would have a great impact on the history of the world. As they chiseled and formed the beams they discussed their plans for the week nonchalantly. When their work was finished they fashioned what seemed like just another cross. This cross was taken to Golgotha so that Jesus could hang upon this tree. As he lay there with his arms outstretched on this insignificant piece of wood painted a picture that would show the ultimate sacrifice. On this tree Jesus took are sins, our guilt, our worry, our shame and he nailed them to the cross. As people marveled at this man, this insignificant tree would never be looked at the

same.

What things remind you of God working in your life, some of us may have tried for years to get a car loan and went through several nos. But one day God stepped in and answered your prayer but do you think about what God did now when you drive it. I believe God gives us things to allow us to see him when we look at it. Some mothers may have prayed and prayed for a child and God heard your prayer but do you see him when you look at your kids. Someone has been praying for a spouse and one day someone walks into your life but years later you cant stand them when all the while they are a memorial of Gods blessing in your life.