“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” (The Lord of the Rings)

“There is the story told about a King who had a problem.  The King needed someone to help solve his problem.  Word spreads that the King has a problem, and the tallest, smartest, and fastest people in the kingdom think that they can solve it. But, as it turns out, none of those, the tallest person in the kingdom, the smartest person in the kingdom, and the fastest person in the kingdom cannot solve his problem.  However, it turns out the problem is that his crown fell under his throne, and none of them are able to reach it. But the smallest person in the kingdom can solve the King’s problem.  The King realizes that the smallest person in the kingdom can fit underneath the throne and reach it. The smallest person in the kingdom retrieves the crown, and saves the day.” (The King’s Problem)

The bible is filled with people who, though small in stature or position, do amazing things for G-d and for G-d’s people. The little story above speaks to the amazing things that can be done even with the smallest among us.

So why don’t we talk about some contemporary examples of people who were small in stature, but were bigger than life. The first person who comes to mind is Mother Theresa. Standing all of five feet tall, she was a formidable figure in her missionary work, particularly in Calcutta.  She was not universally loved, but Pope Francis canonized her at a ceremony on September 4, 2016.  Another person who comes to mind would be Mahatma Gandhi, the focus of tomorrow’s devotion. Standing a statuesque five feet, four inches, Gandhi used nonviolent civil disobedience to lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

If you think about your life, I am sure there are so many people you could list who have proven that you do not have to be big, to make a big difference in the lives of others. My wife’s paternal grandmother was all of four feet tall, and had lost most of the fingers on her right hand in a meat grinding accident. Yet, she was the chief cook, launderer, and bottle washer in her family. She did everything. She was a model of strength, wisdom, and support for my wife. 

Although the media and even the Marines think there should be a certain height for people to be respected and accepted (at least according to the world’s standards), this is not true for the kingdom of G-d on earth. Even if you are bent over with arthritis, are cut down by some accident or disability, or are just short, you already are big in the eyes of G-d, because G-d created you. Let the Word of G-d be your support, your platform shoes, and your soap box to stand out above the rest of the world, and “live large” the Christ-like life.

Pastor Dave