unfair odds

One of the things that struck me (and there were multiple strikes) today, May 24:                                                                         We were on the boat in the Sea of Galilee, floating effortlessly about 200 yards off shore from the traditional site of Jesus' appearance to His band of men following His resurrection. The place he told them to toss their nets on the right side of the boat and watched them haul in so many fish (153 according to John) that their nets began to rip. Where He smiled (probably) as He saw Peter leap from the boat and excitedly swim to shore to meet Him when he recognized Him, and where He reaffirmed Peter's place in the Plan ("Feed my sheep.") 

As we stared wordlessly at the shoreline, I envisioned this site two millennia ago with its simple structures, pastoral feel and people milling along the banks. I saw fishermen dotting the water's edges, cleaning nets, with boats bobbing up and down, ready for the next evening's excursions.  And I saw a man talking with those people, laughing and sharing life with them, daring them to hope in something, greater than themselves. I heard him challenge some of those fishermen to drop their nets- their livelihood, their security, their sure thing- and follow him. And that if they did, he would teach them to catch people.

And I was stuck by the thought that it was in this obscure, insulated, seemingly insignificant speck of the world, God inaugurated a kingdom that would change the course of history. How unlikely that it begin here. With these participants. With its upside-down life manifesto. How could so few with so little be expected to accomplish so much?

Which brings me to the painting above, containing a verse I only yesterday viewed in a new way. The passage referenced is from John 6 and speaks to the paucity of provisions prior to the feeding of the 5,000. "But what are they (the fish and loaves) among so many?" It struck me that these words are at the heart of the issue regarding God's kingdom- resources that always seem so few in the face of opposition that always seems so great. Israel in Egypt, Gideon, Elijah at Carmel. Twelve men, Paul and Silas. You and I. 

What are we among so many? But it's never been about numbers or size. It's always been about purpose and power. And God's purpose gives rise to His power released through His people who are most often outnumbered and overmatched- just how He's always wanted it. Because that way, there'll be no mistaking who's behind the victory.

And I realized in a new way today just how much I like those odds.