Platforms to Pillars: Early adopters of faithfulness – Mark Sayers
Jul 23, 2023
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The podcast explores the contrast between individualism and community support as seen through biblical imagery. It discusses oppression and faithfulness in Egypt, the evolution of platforms and influencers, and God's redemptive action in the chaotic waters. It also highlights the reserved reactions of Australians towards public speaking and the importance of faithfulness and being pillars in the church.
Transitioning from platforms to pillars involves shifting from a focus on personal recognition to serving the community and creating space for God's movement.
To break the cycle of oppression and birth something new, affirming God's will over the world's demands is necessary.
Deep dives
The Journey from Platforms to Pillars
The podcast explores the concept of platforms versus pillars. Platforms represent the individualistic mindset of gaining personal recognition and influence, often associated with the concept of influencers on social media. On the other hand, pillars symbolize the biblical idea of serving the community and allowing things to happen for others. This journey from platforms to pillars is illustrated through the story of the people of God in Egypt, where they transition from a platform mentality to constructing the tabernacle, which represents the pillars that create space for God's movement.
The Midwives: Pillars of New Creation
The midwives in the story fear God more than Pharaoh. They choose to say 'yes' to God and 'no' to the world, refusing to carry out Pharaoh's command to kill Hebrew baby boys. They become the pillars at the birth of new creation, demonstrating that to break the cycle of oppression and birth something new, one must affirm God's will over the world's demands.
Moses' Mother: Stewarding the Fragile Move of God
Moses' mother, a Levite, exemplifies the role of a pillar by safeguarding the life of her child, Moses, at a time when Pharaoh has commanded the death of Hebrew boys. By placing Moses in a basket in the Nile, she demonstrates stewardship and protection of the fragile move of God, even when it seems unremarkable or weak.
Pharaoh's Daughter: The Unlikely Pillar
Pharaoh's daughter, an elite member of Egyptian society, becomes an unlikely pillar of faith. Despite being part of the oppressive regime, she shows compassion and spares the life of Moses, becoming a participant in God's plan. This highlights that God can work through unexpected people and places to fulfill His purposes.