The question is often asked, “Can one really make a difference?” We most often view the significance in numbers. However, that is not God’s view! God views the significance of one! God values one!
Remember the account of Abraham pleading on behalf of the city of Sodom. (Genesis 18:22-32) Abraham began his request for the sparing of Sodom based on the possibility of 50 righteous individuals being in that city. Then he based his request on the possibility of 45, then 40, 30, 20, and finally 10. God was agreeable to sparing the city on behalf of even ten righteous individuals, but unfortunately not even that number could be found. Ten righteous individuals would have been significant enough to spare the city.
Well, that was the significance ten would have made, but how about one? Is one significant for even such an idea?
Reading through Jeremiah I came across this powerful idea. Remember Jeremiah has been referred to as “the weeping prophet.” He was also the writer of Lamentations. The nation of Israel was not in a good spiritual relationship with God during the time of this prophet. There was truly much to weep over as the nation was in a real sorry state. You might wonder how many it would take to make a difference in God’s view.
We read. . .
“(1) Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note! Search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her. (2) Though they say, “As the Lord lives,” yet they swear falsely.” (Jeremiah 5:1-2 ESV)
The New Living Translation reads, “. . . If you can find even one just and honest person, I will not destroy the city.”
Here is the value of one! If just one honest individual; just one truth seeker; just one such individual could be found, God would forgive the city of Jerusalem. This was God’s Holy City, yet here was the call to search for just one such person. One person could have been key to the forgiveness of a whole community.
One person, living for God, can significantly impact the lives of others. One on one souls are brought to Christ. One, daring to stand faithfully in the face of opposition, can be a powerful example for God. One doing his/her part where they are can make a difference in the outcome of many things. It could have happened in Jeremiah’s day. It can happen in our day. One person may be key to the salvation of a whole community.
As a child of God, never underestimate your value and significance in His great scheme of things.
Have a great day BEING ONE FOR GOD!
Carl
