"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
I asked my brother Jessie, who by the way is a medical doctor to help me understand an act of love, the likes which have never been seen anywhere, before. Most everyone is familiar with the phrase, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." It comes from the Bible, the words of Christ.
Jesse, my brother the doctor, tried to help me understand medically how Jesus set such a chilling example of love in our lives, with a scientific medical description of His gruesome, bloody death. The punishment actually started during His trial, when He was spat upon and beaten.
According to Jesse, this probably caused Jesus' eyelids to swell shut even before the trial was complete. Immediately after His trial, Jesus was "scourged" (flogged) by the brutish Roman soldiers, an extreme form of punishment. The soldiers used a whip of numerous thongs, embedded with metal, bone or glass. Each lash tore into Jesus' body. There were typically 39 flesh-ripping lashes. The skin on His back was horribly shredded, exposing underlying muscle and skeletal tissues. Blood gushed from His wounds. Many victims died from the sheer trauma of this torture.
An irreversible process of severe dehydration and cardio-respiratory failure began. A crown of thorns was mockingly placed on Jesus' head, causing more blood. He was spat upon and beaten more. But that was only the beginning. It gets worst!
The next step was the dreaded crucifixion on the cross. Invented by the Persians between 300-400 BC and perfected by the Romans, crucifixion is called "the most painful death ever invented by man." It is where we get the term excruciating. To humiliate Him, Jesus was stripped naked, then placed on His back, arms stretched out and placed on a crossbar.
Nails, about 7-9 inches long, were driven between the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) and the small bones of the hands (the carpal bones). This insured that He would hang there until dead, and also to sever the median nerve, the largest nerve in the hand. This severing is a medical catastrophe, causing severe burning pain and the permanent paralysis of the hands.
The positioning of the feet was critical. Jesus' knees were bent at about 45 degrees and the feet were flexed (bent downward) an additional 45 degrees. Another iron nail about 7-9 inches long was driven through His feet between the second and third metatarsal bones, severing the dorsal pedal artery.
This set up a horrific series of events, resulting in a slow, painful death. Knees bent, Jesus now must try to bear His weight with the muscles of His thigh, an impossible position to maintain. In minutes, the strength of Jesus' legs gave out, resulting in the weight of the body being borne by His arms and shoulders, causing the shoulders to become dislocated. This causes the arms to be 6-9 inches longer than normal. With the arms dislocated, considerable body weight is transferred to the chest, causing the rib cage to be elevated in a state of perpetual inhalation. Consequently, in order to exhale, Jesus had to push down on His feet to allow the rib muscles to relax.
Due to extreme fatigue, He could not do this for long, and as time went on He was less and less able, causing further dislocation of the arms and further raising of the chest wall, making breathing more and more difficult. The result of this process is a series of catastrophic physiological effects. Because Jesus could not maintain adequate ventilation of His lungs, the blood oxygen level began to diminish and the blood carbon dioxide level began to rise. This stimulated the heart to beat faster in order to increase the delivery of oxygen and the removal of the carbon dioxide.
However, Jesus' body could not deliver more oxygen and the rising heart rate only increased oxygen demand. The process set up a vicious cycle of increasing demand, which could not be met, followed by an ever-increasing heart rate.
Jesus' heart began to fail and the lungs collapsed and filled up with fluid, which further decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues. The blood loss and hyperventilation combined to cause more dehydration. That why Jesus said, "I thirst." Gradually, the combination of collapsing lungs, a failing heart, dehydration, and the inability to get adequate oxygen to the tissues causes the eventual death of the victim. In effect, he cannot breathe properly and slowly suffocates to death.
Making the situation much worse, because of the purpose of His suffering, Jesus also experienced the horror of separation from His heavenly Father, and the sins of all humanity. At three o'clock in the afternoon, Jesus Christ, only about age 33, uttered His last words: "It is finished," declaring His redemptive work on earth complete.
He gave up His Spirit. A soldier stuck a spear in His side, causing blood and water to gush out of His dead body. Jesus may have had a "cardiac rupture," the bursting of the heart, caused by severe cardiac stress. Jesus may have literally died of a "broken heart."
It gets even worse. Jesus then descended into hell (Ephesians 4:9), in our place. Then, just as He predicted, He was resurrected three days later! He made many appearances and was seen by many people. He then ascended into heaven, at which time two angels appeared and said He would return some day, just like He left. Many details of His birth, life, death and resurrection were prophesied.
Why is this a love story?
A favorite verse in the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV). Why was His death necessary? God is holy and perfect.
Our sin separates us from Him, and for God to be consistent with His holy nature, sin must always be judged. But His love caused His Son to take all our judgment upon Himself. He voluntarily became our substitute. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Christ's substitutionary death provides those who trust in Him with forgiveness, His presence now, and life with Him in heaven forever!
The Bible says about Jesus Christ: "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. He humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:6-11).
"There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Jesus: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). "He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again" (2 Corinthians 5:15)
Message
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross"; Matthew 27:32 "And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross." Mark 15:21 I thought this was very strange. Mark never paid attention to bystanders or people just standing around. So this made me think.
What is your attitude about your life's responsibility?
How we view the circumstances we face each day determines the quality of the experience. There are some who face each Monday with an "I sure hate to go to school" attitude. There are others who say "Thank goodness it's Monday, Thank God for another day!" Are you the person who only gives the minimum or do you go beyond the call of duty? Do you malinger or do you look for ways to help your fellow student succeed?
When you face a difficulty, do you constantly complain about it or do you view it as another opportunity for God to demonstrate his power? It is important for every believer to bear his or her own cross. However, it is equally important that each believer should bear the cross with the right attitude.
Our savior not only considers our deeds, but the spirit we bring to bear as we carry out our daily responsibilities. Our Lord cares! how we bear the cross, as long as we bear it?
The reward that comes with carrying the cross is not in the shouldering of the burden alone. The spirit in which even a good deed is performed plays a part in the way it is received by our Lord. Consider the lesson the waitress learned one day on the job. It so happened that Winnie the Waitress was called to work on her off day.
She was really disturbed about having to give up the one day a week she didn’t have to work in the restaurant. As she waited on each table that night she'd look at her watch and let her frustrations be known to each customer by singing the words, "I feel like going home. I feel like going home!" After she waited on each customer, the bus boy would clean up the dishes.
The bus boy worked with energy and enthusiasm and was a joy to watch. As he worked, he kept singing, "I've got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Then he would sing a lively version of, "I don't feel no ways tired." The two worked each table singing their theme songs. One by one Winnie noticed that as her customers left and walked to the bus boy and gave him the tip instead of leaving it on the table for her.
Finally, Winnie stopped one of the customers and asked; “Why did you give him my tip? Didn't I do the job? Didn't I take your order? Didn't I bring your food?” The customer looked at Winnie and said: “We watched you work and we watched him work and he sang a better song!" There are many today who grudgingly carry out their Christian responsibilities. They say the right words. Do the right things and give the right amounts, but sing the wrong song!
As Christians, we should strive to bring positive attitude to our Christian service.
If we approach our areas of service without a feeling of commitment, then we are all...doing the right things, but singing the wrong song!
The text focuses on Simon who was forced into service , to help bear his cross. The Roman soldiers were commissioned to take Jesus out to crucify him. On the way from Pilate's judgment seat, as they went down the Via Dolorosa, the "way of sorrows," through the streets of Jerusalem, Jesus stumbled and fell. The second time he stumbled, the Roman soldiers grabbed an African man who was in the crowd and pressed him to bear the cross of Jesus.
Simon was from Cyrene, a country in North Africa. He had come to Jerusalem with his two sons Rufus and Alexander to celebrate the Passover, having studied the Jewish religion he become impressed with their God. That was significant at the time for the predominant religion of most in Africa was not Judaism.
However, many had come to learn about the people with one God, called Jehovah as the Roman Empire stretched across the known world. Simon came to learn more about the God of the Jews, before that day ended, he would know him better than he ever imagined. He didn't plan it, but circumstances would demand it. He would help Jesus carry his cross.
Circumstances changed what should have been a learning vacation into a life changing experience for Simon. He was compelled, yet the result of the experience changed his life forever. There is evidence in the Scripture that this event had a tremendous effect on Simon's life.
In the book of Acts he was there on the Day of Pentecost and very likely did become a Christian as a result of this sudden interruption of his plans. Mark makes clear to us that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus, who are well known to the Gentile believers to whom Mark is writing. In Romans, Chapter 16, he mentions Rufus with whom he was very closely associated and whose Mother had been very kind to Paul. It is evidently the same Rufus. Mark simply brings out Simon's attitude of unwilling involvement in the Crucifixion of Jesus. However, his involvement changed his life forever.
What Does Bearing the Cross Mean?
Today there are many who bear a cross in life, but they are not doing so by choice. If any of us had a choice, most would gladly stand on the sidelines and leave the business of cross bearing to someone else. Like Simon, most of us have our own personal agendas. However, life often gives us circumstances that compel us to carry the cross. Those are the interruptions that seem to grab us and place a load on our shoulders that we would rather avoid. The weight of a huge responsibility crashes down upon us. With such weight that we question our own ability to stand.
We could run, but where would we hide? We don't have much choice. When a member of the family is stricken with an illness, we are compelled to carry our cross. When financial troubles encroach, we are compelled to carry our cross. When we are unfairly attacked, persecuted and assaulted, we are compelled to carry our cross. When compelled to carry one or more of life's crosses, believers should approach their crosses with the following attitudes: That of a torach bearer; a stardard barer; and a armor bearer.
The TORCH BEARER: In Biblical times the torch bearer went before the King to light the path before him. Those who carried the torches went forth into the dark; their lights brightened the path for others who followed. We should strive to approach our burden with a torch bearer's attitude. What you do often makes life better for someone else.
Your sacrifice, pain and trouble often lights the dark path for those who are walking close behind. Jesus reminded every believer to remember that each of us is a light that is set upon a hill that cannot be hidden. Others see our light, walk toward it and gain warmth and strength from our example. That's why every believer loves to sing the words of the song, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!"
STANDARD BEARER: The standard bearer was important in every battle. The standard bearer marched close to the front and bore the coat of arms, insignia or flag of the king. Those who saw it immediately knew the identity of the army and of the king.
As we carry our crosses, each should remember that we are standard bearers for our Lord. We represent the Christian Army of soldiers whose training, discipline and faith has prepared us for life's battles. Our Lord is our general and we are his foot soldiers. Each day we go into the battle for truth carrying his banner. Our attitude, disposition, commitment and drive instantly identify our army.
No wonder the song writer declared, "We are soldiers, in the army. We've got to fight, although we've got to cry! We've got to hold up the blood-stained banner, we've got to hold it up until we die!"
ARMOR BEARER: The armor bearer often wore or carried the king's armor for him until he prepared to enter the battle. He had to be strong and brave because the king seldom fought without putting on his armored uniform. Every believer is reminded that we should put on the whole armor of God.
That's why Ephesians 6:13-17 says, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
We must approach our cross fully armored and ready for whatever may come. We know the nature of the enemy and therefore we do not approach him half hearted. We cannot be caught with our guard down when we are fighting a serious illness. We cannot be caught without our armor when we are struggling to help our children overcome. We cannot be caught without our armor when we are trying to overcome a temptation. We must approach the struggle with a spirit of victory; knowing that no power on earth can defeat us if God's will and our will are one and the same!
Cross Bearers Reward
Finally, brothers and sisters, we must consider the reward of bearing the cross. The scriptures suggest to us that while Simon was compelled to carry the cross the experience changed his life for the better. Not only was his life changed, but that of his two sons was also changed. He was a better man. A stronger man and no doubt a more spiritually secure man after he bore Christ’s cross.
Those who successfully shoulder the burdens that life has placed upon them in faith will receive a great reward from our Lord. Repeatedly the Word indicates that cross bearers will receive a reward. Paul told the Corinthians that the burden of preaching and witnessing was his cross. In 1 Corinthians 9:17 he said, "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward:"
Revelation 3:21 says, " To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Revelation 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
GO wherever you send me
GIVE whatever you require of me
DO whatever you want me to do
BE whatever you want me to be
HELP whomever you want me to help
STAY wherever you put me
Simon came to Jerusalem looking for the Lord, but he didn't find Lord until an unforseen circumstance compelled him to pick up his cross!
Somebody here today didn't find the Lord until they were compelled to carry a cross! Ever since that day they've been singing a brand-new song, "At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burdens of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith, I received my sight and now I am happy all the day!"
When Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, he changed things in the lives of every cross bearer that would follow him. Because Jesus carried the cross, every:
As Jesus stumbled under the weight of the cross I hear the song writer ask, "Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No there's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me!" He bore the cross of my iniquity! He was crucified on the cross for my sin! But early Sunday morning, he arose from the grave in the shadow of the cross, with all power in his hands! AMEN!
Message
Amidst our space age technology, millions are searching for meaning. Very few are finding it. Humanity has always sought fulfillment through knowledge, materialism, power and pleasure. Solomon explored these avenues and concluded, "All is vanity and a striving after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
This is not to say that there is not a certain amount of joy to be had through an accumulation of knowledge, wealth, pleasure and power. It is not to say that there is no pleasure in the physical world. But if one or more of these areas become the chief goal in life, one is destined for disappointment. There is a legitimate place for each, but not as the central focal point of our lives.
If one is to find meaning and direction for living, one must understand that a meaningful life is bound up in relationships. A relationship with God, with one's neighbor, a healthy relationship with self and the material world. The primary focus of Christianity is relationships. It has to do with a relationship with God, with one's neighbor, and with God's creation.
Life Is Unavoidably Tied to God
Psalms 139:7-14 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. The Psalmist recognizes that there is no getting away from God. You could take a spaceship and travel 3 billion miles into outer space and God would be there.
It is when we lose sight of God that real trouble begins. This is seen as early as Eden. Notice the quality of relationship that Adam sustained with God, his wife, with the created physical world and ultimately with himself. They were both naked and knew it not, even as they walked and talked with God. When sin entered into the garden, flourishing relationships wilted through shame and pain. When you get home this afternoon read Paul's description of the Gentile world, which had forgotten God I think it’s (Romans 1:20-32). It is little wonder that Jesus pointed out that a relationship with God was the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The word "salvation" in its broadest sense means to bring to wholeness. It's interchangeable with the word healing. We read, "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." (James 5:15 KJV) The same Greek word rendered save here is translated heal elsewhere. The NIV says, "Will make the sick person well."
Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door. " (Revelation 3:20) When we open that door Jesus enters not as an intruder to an already ordered life, but as one who desires to help us bring about wholeness to our lives -- to our relationships -- to give meaning and wholeness to life.
In the word salvation, I see the word salvage. I see God salvaging Peter's life in order to bring about wholeness. Jesus told him "come and I will make you a fisher of men." (Luke 5:1-11) Peter started becoming what Jesus saw in him that day.
God wants us to become what he sees in us. I come to God just as I am. But I come for the purpose of becoming what God sees in me. There lies the secret to every meaningful relationship, and ultimately to a meaningful life.
The amazing thing is that God takes the initiative in the relationship by guaranteeing us that no matter what we have done his love is constant. When he forgives us, there will be no bitter taste left in his mouth. He promises us that we will be totally accepted without reservation. He guarantees us that no matter how miserably we fail or how blatantly we sin, unreserved forgiveness is ours for the asking. The beauty of it all is that God has made us accepted in the beloved.
Ephesians 1:4-6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)
Ephesians 2:4-9 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)
A Relationship with God Affects
All Our Personal Relationships
Once we have a relationship with God, there is no way that fellowship can be maintained apart from a relationship with our neighbors. If we breathe in air, we must exhale it in order to live. The same is true with our relationship with God. It is impossible to take God in without allowing him to affect every earthly relationship.
I John 3:16-17 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (NIV) In John's passage, we see a relationship with Christ affecting one's relationship with material possessions and one's fellowman.
Jesus demonstrated this principle in his own life. He took God in and manifested him to the world. Philip came to Jesus asking to see God. Jesus said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father."
(John 14:1-9)
Christ demonstrated God's willingness to serve humanity. He came to serve, not to be served. (Matthew 20:28) That is why we see God on his knees in the upper room washing the disciples feet, even the feet of the one about to betray him.
You see God talking to the Samaritan woman who had been married five times and is now shacked up with the sixth man in her life. That is why you see God at the house of Levi, the publican. (Luke 5:27-31)
Luke 5:27-32 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (KJV)
That is why you see God at the temple teaching the hypocrite. This world leads us to love when we are loved. Even when we extend love, we expect it to be reciprocated. Too often, we look for what a relationship has to offer as we network our way through humanity.
However, God's order of things is much different. God is focused on what he has to offer us. That was Jesus' mentality also. He is looking to help us reach our God-given potential. He wants to help us see what God sees in us, something of worth and value to a world which he created. God desires to enter our lives to make us whole.
God's kingdom love is much different from worldly love. It is something that operates independent of how we feel. In God's kingdom we first love. That love is the guiding force as we get acquainted. In the world, we first get acquainted and then decide if the person is worth loving. Most people have a few friends and many acquaintances but are starving for love.
When we have a relationship with God, our relationship with our fellowman takes on new meaning. We begin to look at others as God looks at us. It is then that we can begin to help others discover what God sees in them.
A Changed Relationship with Our World
Nothing changes our world view more dramatically than a relationship with God. It gives life a renewed meaning. Christianity does not isolate us from our world. Jesus said, " I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. My prayer is not that you would take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:13,15)
Isolation is not the answer. It is making God the center of our universe that makes the difference. It is great that God has given us intelligence. Man is literally searching the far reaches of the universe for knowledge. But it is God that gives meaning to life. Jesus said, " the only true knowledge is to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3 KJV)
Philosophers have sought to change our worldview. Yet, it is Christ revelation of God through himself that overshadowed all the sages of the past. Aristotle, Plato and Socrates pale into insignificance in his shadow. The knowledge of God through his Son continues to overshadow all the philosophies since his coming.
We find ourselves studying psychology, monkeys, fish, reptiles, etc., in an effort to gain a better understanding of self. But the knowledge of God is the key to us understanding and knowing self and our world.
Philippians 3:7-11 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (NIV)
A Changed Relationship with Ourselves
God has placed within each of us something much like a homing device to direct our thoughts toward our creator. And from within us, he calls us to work with him in making our lives, our relationships and our world what he intended them to be.
But we must cooperate with God in establishing his kingdom within our hearts, in all of our affairs, all of our personal relationships and within our society. It really matters little how much we accomplish during the years of our existence, because unless we have a relationship with God through Christ nothing else really matters. We must seek to do his will in all of life and test everything according to his purpose, in order to find healing and fulfillment.
It is in forming a right relationship with God, our fellowman and our world that we discover a relationship with ourselves. There is really no way to know oneself apart from God. There is no other way to discovering spiritual healing. God is asking us to give him our lives, relinquish control of our possessions and seek his will in all things. This is what it means to be a Christian.!
Can God Use You?/5
Genesis 6:5-8
5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
Hebrews 11:7
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Being used by God is the ultimate goal and joy of being a Christian! "Here I am, Lord, use me." Who do you have to be for God to use you? Do you have to be a saint? Do you have to be perfect?
If God only used perfect people to do His work, that what an I doing here? God uses ordinary people like you and me to do His most important work imperfections and all. But, there are certain things we must be willing to do if God is to use us. We see these things in the example of Noah, the great shipbuilder.
We read about Noah in Chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the book of Genesis. Listen to this from Chapter 6, beginning with verse 5. "The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil. The Lord was very sorry that he had made them, and he said, "I'll destroy every living creature on earth! I'll wipe out people, animals, birds, and reptiles. I'm sorry I ever made them."
That's pretty strong stuff! But, in the next verse we read, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” So God chose Noah and his family to be saved from the destruction and to repopulate the earth once more. But why did God choose Noah? Out of all the people He could have picked, why did God choose Noah? If you were God, what type of person would you choose?
Do you think you are the kind of person God might choose? The fact is, God has chosen all of us for something whether we realize it or not. God has chosen us to do something special but, have you figured out what it is? Maybe God has chosen you to minister to someone who is lonely or to care for a person in need.
Maybe God has chosen you to handle an extreme situation in an exemplary way which might inspire others - like handling the effects of a stroke, a difficult child, a difficult marriage or even a terminal illness.
What types of people does God use? And what has God chosen you to do? The most important question is “ is God able to use me”? Let's look at Noah for a moment, in doing so we can see four characteristics or types of person God will use.
First of all, to be used by God you must be available. Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, because he was available.
In God's sight, availability is more important than ability. Attitude is more important than aptitude. So many people use aptitude as an excuse. "Oh, I can't do that ... I don't know enough ... and might think God would never use me for that."
If we would chose to make yourself available, God would do great things through you. The people God uses are not superstars ... with incredible talent, but ordinary people with faults, hang-ups, and weaknesses who make themselves available.
Just look at the original twelve Disciples. They weren't anything special. They were just ordinary people - poor fishermen, in many cases. But God used them for a great purposes? Why? Because they made themselves available to be used. And that's what Noah did. Noah was available.
Second, to be used by God, you must be willing to be different. God uses people who dare to be different. Look at what the Bible says about Noah in Genesis 6: 9 "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation." So he obviously was different, if all the rest were evil. It also says, "Noah walked with God." Noah was a man of deep conviction. He didn't care what others thought about him. Only what God thought. So he dared to be different in a sinful world - as we read in Genesis 6: 11 "The earth was corrupt in God's sight. The earth was filled with violence." But Noah was different. Noah was righteous and blameless.
You know, in our society, we tend to think the majority is always right. If everybody is doing it, it must be okay. How often do parents hear their teenagers say, "But everybody's going to the party" ... or "Everybody's wearing their hair that way." If everybody's doing it, it must be ok. Adults tend to be the same way. If everybody's going to gamble and party, it must be okay. But such conformity is the enemy of Christianity.
Noah wasn't afraid to be different. And I'm sure he got a lot of criticism from others especially concerning the ark. "Look at crazy Noah! He's building a boat! There's no water within 500 miles.” His own family probably thought he was crazy ... and they were tired of being embarrassed by that big boat sitting in their front yard. But Noah didn't let it bother him. He wasn't afraid to stand alone-on principle.
What gave Noah the confidence to be different? What gave him the courage to stand alone? His secret - as we read in verse 9 - was that "Noah walked with God." Noah was the only person who lived right and obeyed God. He wasn't interested in winning a popularity contest. What God thought, and asked him to do was enough. Noah walked with God, and didn't worry about what others thought. So, if you want to be used by God, you've got to make yourself available and be willing to be different.
Third, to be used by God, you must follow Him completely. And that's what Noah did.
Noah wasn’t lukewarm in his faith like many of us … He had no excuses. His religion was not one of convenience. Noah was committed. Noah didn't do half of what God wanted or even 90%. We read in Genesis 6:22 "Noah did everything just as God commanded." And in 7:5 - "Noah did all that the Lord commanded." Noah gave God unconditional obedience. Unconditional in every way!
Faith is another word for obedience. And faith is following instructions even when it doesn't make sense. Do you think it made sense to Noah to be building a boat when the closest body of water was Mediterranean Sea 500 miles away? How would he even get such a boat to the sea?
In Genesis 2:5-6 we read, "The Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth ... but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole ground."
Did you know that until the Flood, it had never rained on earth. So, if people said, "Noah why are you building that boat?" Noah said, "Because it's going to rain.”... they probably said, "What's rain?"
Faith means following God's will, even when it doesn't make sense ... or even when you don't see the “How” of it. How was God going to round up all those different animals? And how was he going to keep the bobcats from eating the rabbits? And how would you keep the elephants and hippopotamuses from capsizing it?
It probably all seemed crazy to Noah, but he didn't argue, or complain. He just said, "O.K., Lord, whatever you want." This is the test of faith. How well do we follow God's Will and God's Plan, especially when we don't fully understand? Children always want to know why-"Why should I do it?" But the faithful do it without question. God told Noah, "You just obey, and I'll show you why" and then it started raining.
Once you are available, and dare to be different, and decide to obey God completely, the fourth thing you must do is to never give up. People who do great things for God never give up, no matter how difficult the challenges or obstacles. In Genesis 6:3 we are told that it took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Can't you imagine the daily drudgery of that.
"What did you do today, Noah?" "Worked on the ark." "What did you do last year, Noah?" "Worked on the ark." "What are your going to do next year, Noah?" "Work on the ark." But Noah never gave up.
Could you maintain your enthusiasm for a project that took 120 years to complete? I'm sure there were many days Noah hated to look at that ark let alone work on it. But, he continued. I can't help but compare his example to those who think they've worked long enough for the Lord, and it's time to retire.
For Example!
Noah didn't say, "I've worked on this ark for 50 years now, Lord. Give me my gold watch and let someone else take over." Noah never gave up ... and neither should we if we want God to truly use us.
There are three things problems, pressure and people that will tempt a person to give up. First, are Problems? Every good idea has something wrong with it. In every possibility there are problems.
How would Noah keep the animals that eat each other separated? How would Noah deal with the sanitation problem? Can you imagine what it must have smelled like after 40 days with all those animals! Facing a problem with God's help allows us to grow, develop and mature.
Second, people give in to Pressure. Noah could have thought, "This is just too much. It's too great a responsibility." But he didn't.
Third, People will tempt you to give up. When you work with people, they will disappoint you, misunderstand you, criticize you and let you down. Still, we must never give up ... if you want to be used by God.
There is a epilogue to the story of Noah, and a most interesting one. In Genesis, Chapter 9, we are told that after the ark landed again on dry ground, Noah built a vineyard, and fermented the grapes, and got drunk, and lay naked in front of his family, and made a fool of himself. Now, why do you think Noah after such a spotless record, would do such a thing?
The Bible never covers anything up. The Bible lays it on the line. It tells us how Moses murdered a man, how great King David committed adultery, and how Noah got drunk. I think this makes it obvious how God uses ordinary people - with all their mistakes and faults. Sure, you may have messed up somewhere along the line in your life, but God can still use you. God doesn't compromise on sin, but He is compassionate and forgiving.
Maybe you have a bad temper, Maybe you had some sort of a moral failure , Maybe you have fears and insecurity. But that doesn't disqualify you from being used by God. I mean, if God only used perfect people, who would He use?
God uses ordinary people to do His most important work ... so I ask you all once again … is God able to use?
I wonder if God has been trying to use you, lately?
PRAYER: May each of us pray this prayer sincerely and honestly to the Lord: Here I am, Lord. Use me. Give me the strength to be different, and obedient, and faithful, and never give up ... that I might be one through whom you work in this world. I pray in Christ's name. Amen
Luke 23:33-43
The other day I was ask this question, "Will God hear the prayer of a sinner?" The one asking the question quoted the verse below.
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (KJV)
Many don't pray because they are not sure God is listening. They may feel that what they have done -- that is the sin in their life -- prevents God from listening.
Isa 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (KJV) This is an important question!
Rom 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (KJV)
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (KJV)
Does God Listen To the Prayer of A Sinner?
Listen to James. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)
Listen to John. 1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)
Luke's account of the thieves crucified with Christ. Luke 23:33-43 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (KJV)
Matthew and Mark record that both thieves were railing him. Yet one of them repented and asks to be with Christ in paradise. Jesus heard and answered his prayer. Mt 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. (KJV) Mk 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. (KJV)
Does God even listen to prayers
of those outside of Christ?
Cornelius’ prayers were heard. Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (KJV)
Jesus tells those searching for the truth to ask and they shall receive.
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Jesus portrayed in parable of the Pharisee and the publican that God answers sinner's prayer. Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men
are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (KJV)
Does God hear the prayer of a child
of God who sins?
God answered Paul's prayer when he was struggling with sin? God answers prayers so that we will not be deprived of learning more about his grace.
2 Cor 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
David's prayer after his adultery.
Psa 51:1-10 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have Isinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Samson's prayer after a pitiful life. Samson & Delilah
Judges 16:17-20 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a rasor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart.
Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand. And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. (KJV)
Judges 16:27-31 Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport. And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the burying place of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years. (KJV)
The Hebrew writer list Samson in the Hall of Faith. Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (KJV)
Does God hear the prayer of
the rebellious? Balaam
Num 22:9-12 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. (KJV)
Peter indicates that Balaam was a sinner. 2 Pet 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;(KJV)
Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (KJV)
God hears and answers but it isn't the answer for which he is looking. God's face was against Balaam. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (KJV) Balaam's prayers were for his personal gain and therefore answered accordingly. But they were heard and answered.
James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV) Rich man.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (KJV)
Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: (KJV) His prayer was heard and answered, but it wasn't the answer for which he had hoped. What Does It Mean "God will not hear the prayer of a sinner."
Context is the most important thing
when studying the Bible.
John 9:29-34 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
The blind man was speaking and he concluded that if a sinner were trying to do what Jesus did, that is heal him of his blindness, God would not hear his prayer. The conclusion was that this man was from God or else God wouldn't hear. A sinner in rebellion to God, trying to heal the blind man of his prayer, would have gotten the answer Balaam got when he ask God to curse the Israelites. He would not have succeeded. That is all the blind man meant. This statement in John 9:31 should never be used to convince anyone that God does hear the prayer of a sinner. This may leave the immature Christian thinking that once you fail in your faithfulness to God he never wants to hear from you again. Nothing could be further from the truth.
This really has nothing to do with asking for forgiveness when we sin. The Bible is clear, God hears the prayers of those who are seeking to worship him and do his will even though we fail and are sinners.
Solomon Describes the type of
person God will not hear.
Prov 1:22-33 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. (KJV)
The type of sinner God hears.
Ps 34:17-18 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (KJV)
Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (KJV)
1 John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (KJV) Simon the sorcerer is an excellent example. Acts 8:22-24
God will answer the sinner's
prayer of repentance.
Hosea 13:4-8 "But I am the LORD your God, out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. So I will come upon them like a lion, like a leopard I will lurk by the path. Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open. Like a lion I will devour them; a wild animal will tear them apart. (NIV)
Hosea 14:1-2 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. (NIV)
Conclusion
Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (KJV)
Our forgiveness is to be unlimited toward those who sin against us. If our forgiveness is to be patterned after God's forgiveness, does this not point out that God is committed to hearing a sinner's prayer for forgiveness.
May God hear our prayers for forgiveness. Amen.
The topic, is humility. We think of groveling, self-abasement. Humility has become a bad word for many of us – we talk about eating humble pie -- we hate the thought of being humiliated. To be humble is to be a dishrag or a doormat.
So let's not begin by talking about humility at all -- let's begin with another word: Worth. If I asked you the question, "so, how much are you worth?" how would you answer? What's the first thing you think of? Money of course! Your mind immediately goes to your bank account or to your wallet -- or to the stock market. (take out wallet) Well, if money is the measure of worth today I'm worth about two dollars -- better than some days.
Of course, not everyone sees their personal worth in terms of money. I've never thought much about money myself. No my sense of worth has been tied up with academic success. You see my athletic career hit the rocks in about 6th grade -- and my social life never recovered from a broken heart in 8th grade -- until I met Bronwyn of course. But one thing I could do -- and that was get good grades. I knew how to play the academic game. I knew what teachers wanted -- and I wasn't an unabashed teacher's pet. Getting A's -- being the best in the class -- that was what made me feel like I was worth something.
Every one of us, every person here, has some hidden measure by which you gauge your worth -- each of you has some area that deeply influences how you feel about yourself. You know what it is for most pastors -- sermons & attendance.
Many of you probably measure your worth by job performance -- got a good job, you feel like your worth a million bucks. Unemployed, you feel worthless.
Others measure your worth by relationships.
Our scripture today has something to say to us about our worth and how we should measure it – It addresses the question: How should we think about ourselves.
Turn with me to Romans 12:1-8. In this passage we get the clearest definition of true humility that I think you will find: Verse 3 "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
True humility is accurately assessing your own worth and position. It is not groveling, it is not self-abasement -- not beating yourself up -- it is taking a good, clear-eyed look in the mirror and understanding your true value. Humility begins with understanding your true worth. So how much are we worth, really -- how highly are we allowed to think about ourselves? Well, let's think for a minute about how we measure value. What makes something valuable?
A few years ago in the United States, stuffed dolls called “Tickle-Me-Elmo” were all the rage and they were going for enormous prices. In some places people paid several hundred dollars for a single doll! Why did they cost so much? It had nothing to do with how they were made -- nothing inherently valuable in them. It was simply that people wanted them – and considered them valuable. So that’s what made them “valuable” to people. Supply and demand.
Let me give you a better example: See this watch. How much do you think this watch is worth. It looks worthless. But I know better. You see there is a precious member of my church for whom this watch is a treasure -- almost priceless. I know because she left it at my home last Saturday evening and I had the awesome responsibility of getting it back to her unharmed.
So what gives this watch value? Certainly not anything its made of. No qualities in this blanket itself make it worth keeping at all. No. It is valuable because it belongs to someone, because it is treasured by someone.
You and I ARE this watch. We have no worth in ourselves. Think of it. You're just a bundle of molecules -- mostly water. Your body is worth maybe a few cents in chemicals -- maybe a bit more if you donate your organs. Sure you were made in the image of God, but don't make too much of that -- all of us have virtually destroyed the image of God in ourselves by our sin.
You have nothing in yourself to be proud of -- nothing by which you can impress God. Everything you have and are came from him. You owe God everything and He owes you nothing.
But here's the amazing paradox: even though you have no worth in yourself, like this watch you are precious. Why? For the same reason that the blanket is precious. Because you belong to God. You are precious because you were chosen by God to be His child. You are "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God." I Corinthians 6:20 "You are not your own; you were bought at a price." You are a treasured possession.
This truth is the foundation of Christian humility. Humility is not groveling in feelings of worthlessness. On the contrary, it is simply recognizing that our real worth doesn't come from ourselves, but from God alone. Humility, in relation to God, is simply acknowledging that everything we have and are belongs to him. Humility is simply to offer ourselves back to him -- "to present our bodies as living sacrifices." So whenever you see a child's treasured watch, remember that is what you are like. But what about in relation to each other? What does it mean "not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought" in connection with each other?
The watch won't help us here -- we already have this amazing ability to make each other feel like rags -- precious to God, maybe, but rags nevertheless. I don't want to contribute -- So maybe we should get this out of the way and pull out another prop.
I'd like you to imagine that this was a real hand. Kind of a grizzly thought -- but maybe it will stick in your mind. Now what is the worth of hand separated from the rest of the body. Absolutely nothing. But a hand connected to the rest of the body is rather useful.
You can do all sorts of things with it.
You see the point? As members of the community of believers -- the body of Christ -- we have worth not in and of ourselves, but because we belong to each other. Our worth comes from belonging -- first to God, then to each other.
Verses 4 & 5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to the others.
Each member belongs to the others! That's pretty amazing and also scary. You belong to the person sitting next to you in the same way that the parts of your body belong to each other. Now the parts of my body are usually pretty cooperative. They each do their job without fussing too much.
Take my hand, for instance. It usually stays out of the way until its needed. But when I need it – to type this sermon for instance – it’s there doing what I need it to do. Generally -- each part of the body does what it is called on to do without any expectation of special honor. And that is what is the basis for humility within the body of Christ. Each part (person) does its (their) work. Each part serves the whole without calling attention to itself (themselves). That’s the way it’s supposed to work anyway.
So when you leave here today and find yourself a little bit more aware of the way your body functions with all parts working together without a lot of thought or effort – take a minute to think about the way you fit into God’s plan within your church community. Because when each member of the body does its work with humility, you know what we have -- we have community. And if we do it right, we have the body of Christ here on earth the way God intended. Amen.
II Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
One of the most precious promises in the Word of God, I believe, is God's promise of grace. When you stop and realize what grace is, when you recognize what we mean when we talk about the grace of God, in my opinion, it's very difficult to find another word in the Word of God that would be any more precious.
What is grace? It is a word which we find again and again throughout the Word of God. It is the word which God uses again and again to point us, to direct us, to guide us to that realization that you and I, this morning, have a peace in our heart if we know Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour because of the work of His grace. Then that word even takes on a more precious definition or a more precious connotation in our thinking.
Grace is simply stated as God's unmerited favor.
Here's what grace is. Grace is doing for you and God doing for me what we do not deserve. That's basically what God's grace is. God does something for you or does something for me and we don't deserve that. But God does that because of His grace. Paul said this to the saints at Ephesus as he wrote in Ephesians chapter 2:8-9 Of or by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. In other words, it is grace that's going to bring us to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. God didn't have to do that. But because He loves us He has done that. He has provided that grace.
If you sit here today and you have never received Jesus Christ as Saviour, you need to understand that God so loved you and He so desires to see you spend eternity with Him in heaven that He allowed His Son to die on your behalf.
And now because His Son has died on your behalf, He is willing to extend to you grace. You don't deserve this but He is willing to extend to you that grace that will allow you to come to know Jesus Christ as Saviour. And that's why Christ died for the world. That's why all may be saved.
Now, all will not be saved. We understand that because the Scripture not only teaches there is a heaven, the Scripture also teaches there is a hell. So, consequently all will not be saved, we understand that. But, all may be saved because of God's grace.
That is an individual's acceptance by that individual person of Jesus Christ into their heart and into their life. That is a decision they make when they realize that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast “ (Ephesians 2:8-9)."
That is the wonderful subject of grace. It is amazing when you stop and think about it. Grace is something every Christian is always going to be in need of. For you and I who are here today who know Jesus Christ, we're always going to be in need of grace. If the Christian plans to live to the praise and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, grace is going to have to manifest itself.
I am here to tell you this morning, the only way I am going to be able to live my life to the praise, honor, and glory of Christ is through the grace of God. The same would be true in your life. It's not by accident that the Scripture says that "... Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" in Genesis 6:8. That Scripture is there for a reason. It's there for a purpose. I’ve quoted this verse of Scripture many many times. It's one of the Scriptures that I like to quote quite often, because it's a need that you and I have to see in our lives.
The Scripture says we are to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)" In other words, if you and I are to grow in our lives, we have to realize that it's going to be because of the grace of God operating in our lives that challenges, directs, and leads us to want to live our lives for the glory of God. In our human nature, we are not prone to want to live for God's glory.
"Wait a minute, you're a preacher". I don't care what I am. I could be a preacher, a rabbi, and a priest all in one and my human nature is not going to want to live to the praise of God. The fact that I have been to a seminary, a college, or university and I have studied and prepared for the ministry does not change my human nature. And it doesn't change yours either.
So, the very fact then as Peter said in 3:18, that we are to "... grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." Why? So that we can live for God's glory. Without that grace we are not going to do it. None of us are.
Paul was not going to be able do it. That's why he says in verse 9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." That's what God communicated to the apostle Paul.
This morning I want us to look at that 9th verse and notice what I call a Christian paradox. When you read down through the 10th verse you will see the paradox. Paul says in that 10th verse, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities," Now wait a minute Paul, "you take pleasure in your infirmities?" Are there any folks here who agree with Paul on that? I can't honestly say I agree with that. I don't take pleasure in being sick. Do you? Of course, the logical answer is, "absolutely not." I don't take any pleasure in being sick.
Paul says, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, ..." He says, "I just love it when folks come after me." You begin to think this guy is a case for a psychiatrist. He doesn't need a psychologist, he needs a psychiatrist. That is what he is saying though. Besides that, he says, "I take pleasure in distresses."
But then notice the rest of that verse. Notice what it's for. For who's sake? For Christ's sake! Oh, Paul, that still doesn't make any sense. Why? Well he goes on and says, "... for when I am weak, then am I strong." Beloved that's a paradox.
How can you be weak and strong? It's a Christian paradox he's talking about here. The apostle Paul basically says, when we are weak in ourselves is when we are then able to be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now don't leave me on this, don't lose me here. When we see ourselves as weak in ourselves, then we are going to go out of ourselves and we are going to then go to Christ.
It's when we come out of ourselves and go to Christ that we then become qualified to receive the strength from Him. It is not from ourselves but from Him that we experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace for that need. That's what he is teaching here.
Now, this morning, I want to simply point out to you a couple of simple principles that I want you to put down and seek to remember as you go through your week of activity. As you remember these simple principles that come out of these two verses of Scripture, it's going to give you some direction as to how you can be strong when you are weak.
Now it's true that some of you do this, but I'm not sure you know all of the "why and wherefore" as to why you are doing it. If you know why you are doing it, then you are going to be able to become more proficient, more capable, more successful in doing what you need to do. When you are weak, so that you may be strong.
If you look here, you'll notice that Paul encountered suffering. Put down the suffering Paul encountered. In order for you and I to become strong through our weakness, there is going to have to be suffering. Every Christian, without exception, encounters trials and testings in this life.
Now, because there was too much to put into this message, I took some of the morning message out and I've put it into the evening message. This evening we're going to talk about "Why Do Christians Experience Trials and Testings?"
A couple of weeks ago I got a phone call regarding a family that was in our church back in the '70s. The mother of a little girl in this family went to our Christian school back then. The sister of the mother of this little girl, 5 years old, was taking her to school, she encountered some black ice, lost control of her car, and the little five-year-old girl was killed instantly. What is God doing? Five-year-old kids are not supposed to die. Trials. Testings. We all go through them, every single one of us. That's what he is talking about here. There is going to be suffering. There is going to be trial.
Look at verse 7 please. In verse number 7 you will see Paul mentioning what he calls a thorn in the flesh. This was his testing. (II Corinthians 12:7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Now we don't have time this morning to talk about what that thorn in the flesh was. There are several ideas that certainly have been presented. I have mine and I'm sure maybe some of you have yours. But there was nevertheless a thorn in the flesh that God gave to the apostle Paul for this specific principle he was teaching in regards to how we may be strong when we are weak. Now there are several things which could be said about this thorn. Of course, we could talk about the nature of it. In other words, this was real. This was not imaginary.
This was not something that he was thinking about or had in his imagination. It was an infirmity of some kind. I personally think it had something to do with his eyes. That's on the study of other Scriptures and passages. There are others who don't agree with that. There are those who think it was something else. None of us can be dogmatic about it because the Scripture just doesn't spell out what it was. But he did have this infirmity and it was real; so that's the nature of it.
The purpose of it was again revealed here in verse number 7. God wanted to keep him humble.
See Paul had one of the problems that a lot of us have. Paul was a very proud man. He was a very proud individual. Remember who Paul was before he was led to Jesus Christ, before he was converted on the road to Damascus. He was a Pharisee.
If you know anything about the Pharisee, he was very proud because he was very religious. The Pharisees were faithful in their tithe and they prayed every day. I could spend the next 15 minutes taking you through the laws of the Pharisees. They did all of these things because they were such good people. So, they were very proud individuals. Very proud people. Paul had this pride, so God gave him something to remind him of who God is and who Paul is.
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You see what God was doing there? God was teaching me that, "I want you to know who the boss is. Don't get so proud. Don't get so big headed that you think for a minute you don't need Me." God simply gave me a thorn so that when I became weak in myself I could become strong in Christ. That's what He is teaching here. We all need to be mindful of that. See, everything that comes into our life has a purpose. It's not there by the luck of the draw. There's a purpose for it. God is on the throne. God is working. Now notice the source of the thorn. The source of it was God, true? But notice who delivered it. Verse 7 says:
(II Corinthians 12:7) ... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, ... Though God was the source of the thorn, it was delivered by Satan. Then you go on and you notice the result of it. The result you will find in verse 8: (II Corinthians 12:8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
In other words what happened there was all of a sudden Paul saw that "I must be in prayer on a constant basis." I can say from my own personal testimony that when you get one of those thorns from God to remind you of who you are and who He is, there is going to be a change in your prayer life. So, for example, when you read in Acts chapter 16 when Paul was in prison with Silas and the Philippian jailer got saved, what were they doing at midnight? They were singing praises to God and praying. They were spending time with God.
Do you wonder why Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing?" God, beloved, had taught him some very, very special truth, a very significant truth. That truth which He taught him was that you must know the power of God on your life if you are going to successfully deal with suffering. It is only when you are weak in yourself that you will be strong in Jesus Christ.
Let me show you the second thought I want you to write down (remember). Not only the suffering Paul encountered, but notice the causes. Notice what causes me to look at the supplication Paul manifested in that 8th verse, that necessity of prayer. Look at that 8th verse and what is it saying to you? The first thing that jumps out at me from the 8th verse are the two words, "this thing." In other words, what was Paul doing there? Paul was beginning to see the importance of praying definitely. He wasn't praying "Around and around the mulberry bush." He was praying definitely.
Here is a little exercise you can do if you like. I know you cannot see this, but in my Bible I have written out here on the margin because of the 8th verse, "Pray definitely." In I Thessalonians where it says "Pray without ceasing" what have I written in my Bible? Pray definitely. Whenever there is a verse of scripture that reminds me of prayer, I write in my Bible "pray definitely." Why? Because you need to pray definitely. When you are praying for something, pray definitely.
When we prayed we should be praying that God be glorified, that He would be lifted up, that He would be honored, as He would be the One who would receive the praise. God had already answered the prayer, while there in my office the mail was being delivered.
The principle there, beloved, is to pray definitely. I don't know what your need is this morning, but whatever your need is, get a hold of a truth which is to pray definitely about that need. This church family cannot pray too much! Amen! You can't pray too much in your home. There's power in prayer.
I also notice there that he prayed with importunity because my Bible says, he prayed thrice. He sought the Lord three times. He was going back and going back. Reminds me of an illustration over in Luke chapter 18 with the widow woman and the judge.
Remember that she wearied him with her much coming. He was not going to give her what she wanted but he said "I know this woman." "But I know this woman and she is going to weary me." She is just going to keep coming back and coming back and coming back. "So listen, I'm just going to give her what she wants to get her out of my life." Anybody relate to that? I can raise my hand! I know some people like that. But that's what the Scripture is teaching us here. That's what it is showing us.
Look at the last thought… In this particular principle notice that God did not answer the prayer the way Paul wanted Him to answer it. The Lord never did take the thorn from him. See, God doesn't answer it sometimes the way we want it answered. He doesn't answer it that way.
But that's why he comes back in verse number 10 and says what he says. "For when I am weak then I am strong."
Amazing thought when you think about it. Let me give you the last point. The third thought I see here is the sufficiency Paul received. The suffering that he encountered there can be seen very clearly. You can see the supplication that he manifested. But notice now with me the sufficiency that he received. Again go back to verse 9. The sufficiency that he received was certainly a powerful sufficiency because he says "God said unto me, My grace."
Who was he talking about here?
So, consequently what I see here in this Scripture as far as the sufficiency that Paul received, is a very powerful sufficiency. I not only see a powerful sufficiency, I see a personal sufficiency. Look at the personal pronouns that are in verse 7, 8, 9, and 10. There are several personal pronouns.
Why? Because this was a personal sufficiency that Paul is experiencing here. It was not only personal but it was present. It wasn't something promised down the road or in the sweet by and by. Because I notice he says that His sufficiency is enough. So, it was a present sufficiency. Not only a present sufficiency, but it would certainly also be a plentiful sufficiency, because Paul says "I don't need anything else." It's going to do the job. It's going to meet the need.
The thing I love about this the most is that it was so practical. You say, "Preacher, how can you say that this is a practical sufficiency?" Well, it's very practical because, beloved, the grace of God became operative in Paul's weakness. When do you need God's grace? When you are weak. When do I need God's grace the most? When I'm discouraged. When do I need God's grace the most? When I'm laying in a hospital bed waiting to go into surgery. That's when you need the grace of God.
Oh beloved, hear me when I say this. We serve a practical God! We have a practical God because He has a practical grace. So therefore, that thorn in the flesh which was delivered by Satan became a channel of the power of God in Paul's life, because that's how he was made strong.
A tremendous truth when you think about it. You cannot get more practical than that. You simply cannot get more practical in the fact that when we are weak in ourselves we can then be strong in our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. That's exactly what the last part of verse 9 is all about. That the power of Christ may rest upon me. May the power of Christ rest upon you and me and may we all find strength in that power. AMEN"
Of all of the attributes of God that are taught in the Bible, which one is emphasized the most? After listening to much of the teaching today, probably the most common answer would be God's love. The love of God is one of the great themes found in His Word, but that is not what God emphasized the most in His revelation to us. Contrary to what is popular today, God's holiness is emphasized more than even His love. On two separate occasions, we are told God is "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8).
We never read of spiritual beings crying out, "Almighty, Almighty, Almighty" or "Merciful, Merciful, Merciful" or "Love, Love, Love". Instead, we can read in both the Old and New Testaments that our God is "Holy, Holy, Holy." This is the only attribute of God spoken three times like this. It is being repeated for emphasis, much like Jesus sometimes said, "verily, verily" or "truly, truly." God is called "Holy One" 29 times in the book of Isaiah alone and a total of 51 times in the Bible. God is called the "Mighty One" ten times, but He is never called "Loving One".
Every time we think about the Spirit, we nearly always refer to Him as the "Holy Spirit". He is not called the "Loving Spirit" or "Gracious Spirit", but the Holy Spirit. When the Bible says that God is holy, it means that He is completely unique and is free from all sin. There are two aspects of God's holiness. On one side, God completely and perfectly hates all that is sin. Psalms 5:4-5 tells us, "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity." Not only does God hate sin, He loves all that is right and good. In Psalms 11:7 we are told, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness."
Both of these aspects of His holiness are mentioned in a statement referring to Jesus in Hebrews 1:9. There we can read, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity." None are holy as God is. No matter how righteous one may be, compared to God, he is unclean. Good, holy men are holy in a relative sense. Only God is absolutely holy. In Revelation 15:4, those who have victory over the beast sing, "Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy."
After the rich young ruler called Jesus "Good Teacher", Jesus asked, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God" (Luke 18:19). In saying this, Jesus was not denying that He was worthy of being called good. He was simply trying to get this young man to understand who he was talking to. The holiness of God can be seen in our salvation. None of the judgments sent on wicked men, or the plagues, warfare, etc. can demonstrate the holiness of God like the death of His Son on the cross.
In a prophesy of Jesus on the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou answer not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel" (Psalms 22:1-3).
It was the holiness of God that caused the separation between the Father and Son. Here is He who was living in perfect love with the Father in eternity, and was equal with God. Yet, God the Father had to be separated from His own Son, and let Him hang on a cross to die with no help or comfort when He became sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Even though it was His own Son, God could make no exception. He must turn away from all that is sin. How dare we think God will make an exception with our sin when He could not with His own Son? God's holiness takes preeminence over even His love. God's love is a wonderful subject to study, and His love is what enables us to have the hope of salvation. As great as the love of God is, if the demands of His holiness are not met, all of God's love cannot save us.
John 3:16 tells us that God loves the world. Yet, all who do not have their sins washed away will be separated from God for eternity in spite of the fact that God's love for them is so great He gave His only Son for them. When the rich young ruler came to Jesus to ask about eternal life, the Scriptures say that, "Jesus, looking at him, loved him." (Mark 10:21).
No matter how much Jesus loved him, when this man refused to sell what he had and give it to the poor as Jesus commanded, even the love of Christ could not save him. The only way any of us can be saved is if we submit to the demands of His holiness. It was God's love that provided a way so that we might be forgiven. If we do not take advantage of this free offer, His holiness must condemn all sin in spite of His love for us.
Why? The holiness of God is preeminent over even His love. Man, in his sin, likes to talk of the love of God. Many want to come together and hear how God loves them and accepts them just as they are. They cry out to their teachers, "Make us feel good! Make us feel comfortable! Make us feel loved!" We must not take lightly the love of God. It is great! It is wonderful! We must never forget that, although, man in his sinemphasizes the love of God above all, God in His Word emphasizes His holiness above all.
When we understand His holiness, we can better understand what Paul meant when he wrote, "Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). It is through knowledge of God's holiness that we can understand what Peter meant when he wrote, "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.' And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear" (1 Peter 1:15-17). The Scriptures tell us to, "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9). We take comfort in the knowledge that our God is love (1 John 4:8, 16).
We must never forget that the same Bible that tells us that God is love, also tells us that God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29). Why is He a "consuming fire"? Because His Holiness must destroy all that is sin. We do not serve a God who is like a doting grandfather who would never spank or rebuke in spite of misbehavior. This is the image in which many want to portray God. We must remember that God Himself reveals to us that He is "Holy, Holy, Holy."
"Gracious God - bless now the words of my lips and the meditations of our hearts. Breath your Spirit into us and grant that we may hear and in hearing be led in the way you want us to go. Amen.
Many of us here today have had, or still have, many problems in our lives. We are under constant stress from one thing or another:
Stress is a common, all too common fact in our lives. It could be any of a thousand and one things that afflict us, but the result is we feel tired; or we find ourselves being angry at other people for almost no reason at all or, even more commonly, we feel unable to think good thoughts or do what we believe are good things. We are not at peace. So what do we do about it?
A lot of people do nothing... they feel that somehow this is meant to be their lot in life - or they feel powerless to change things. Others - those blessed with the conviction that they should be more at ease with themselves and with the world around them - are more active.
And many of these - and in this age it seems the majority - turn to the solutions offered at the local library and at the supermarket stands or on TV, and they buy self-help manuals or they watch television shows featuring pop psychologists hoping against hope that by following the instructions of the books or enacting the principles outlined in 30 minutes by some expert on TV that they will be able to get a grip on their problems, and find a happier and more fulfilling life.
Yet, despite all their efforts - all too often they are just as tired and unhappy as those who have done nothing, perhaps even more so since the rules and regulations and principles they try to follow to help themselves require a lot of effort.
Who will rescue me is a cry heard not only on the top 40 charts, but in the depths of our hearts.
Again, hoping against hope, some of us turn to religion, we turn to the values and principles taught to us at our mothers knees and we try to live our lives by the ten commandments and by the laws taught to us by Moses, Jesus and Paul. But like Paul - we end up finding that this does not work either, we find that the good that we would like to do we do not do and the bad that we would not do, we end up doing anyway.
Like Paul we find that there is a kind of war going on inside us, and deep down we end up saying with him-What a wretched person I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Brothers and sisters there is a better way, a better way than the quick fixes offered by the wise psychologists on the supermarket stands, a better way than that which is offered to us by a religion based on do's and don'ts, laws and regulations.
The way I am referring to will strike many of you as being very silly, very simplistic, very naive, but I assure you that it is not - even when applied to problems that are larger than our own personal ones.
I want to tell you a story about Samantha Smith, a little girl in Maine, who, when she was 10 years old woke up one morning in her home in Maine and "wondered if this was going to be the last day of the earth". She had just read about the arms race and thought that it made no sense. So she did something that only an unsophisticated child would do - she wrote a letter to Mr. Andropov, the Soviet Leader at the time. She said "I am worried about Russia and America getting into a nuclear war. Are you going to vote for war? Please tell me how we can stop having a war.”
To many peoples' surprise, Mr. Andropov answered her letter and invited her to Russia to see things for herself. She went and met Mr. Andropov and many children her own age. She got along very well. When she returned to the States she said "If we can be friends and be getting to know each other better, then what are our two countries arguing about? Nothing could be more important than stopping a nuclear war".
Adults cannot say such things lest they seem silly. Yet is there not a profound wisdom here? Something greater than the wisdom of our political scientists and international experts? We have so many problems - both personal, and as a nation and a world. And we have so little peace, so little rest.
Who will rescue us?
You know that it is all enough to drive a person to pray, we get to the point after we have tried this and that formula and consulted this and that expert in our problems that we do not know what else to do.
We've tried to make it under our own steam - and we are tired, and in desperation, finally, we try God. But wouldn't we be better off to try God first? Wouldn't we be better off to live by God's wisdom rather than the wisdom of the learned of this world? But we don't do this do we? It is just too silly to expect that something simple can solve a complex problem. But listen to Jesus once again. He said: "I praise you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children."
An ancient story is told about a Rabbi who had the prophet Elijah appear to him one day while he was in the market place. There the teachers of the Law were holding forth, others were buying and selling goods, and still others were listening to the disputes that were brought before the elders of the people in one corner of the market.
The Rabbi asked Elijah if there was anyone in the market place who was destined to share in the blessedness of the life to come. At first Elijah said no - but then he pointed to two men and said that they would. The Rabbi went over to them and asked what they did. "We are merry makers", they replied, "When we see a person who is downcast we cheer him up. When we see two people quarrelling with each other, we try to make peace between them."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, The answers we need to our problems are often hidden from us, because so many of us, particularly those of us who are well educated can't comprehend the simplicity of the truth - for us there always has to be a catch, we cannot accept that things might be easier than they appear.
I tell you this: God wants us to understand and find solutions to our problems. And so God has arranged things so that it is not our knowledge that is important, but rather our heart and our will. God wants us all to have peace and fulfilment, and so there is nothing complicated here, instead there is only a call, a call to yield yourself to God, a call to follow Jesus and enter into a relationship with him.
As a theologian once put it: "the heart, not the head is the home of the gospel" The smallest child is given the faculty of knowing Christ, of knowing what is important and what is not, - but for us adults it seems we need something more, we need a model which we can consciously follow.
Jesus said: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light. Come to me, take my yoke upon you, my yoke is easy and my burden light.
The word yoke in the scripture often refers to the TORAH -to the way of God, to the teachings of God through the prophets, and as such it is it is not so much about servitude but rather about the direction of things - the focus of our labors, which is for us the focus of Jesus and not the rules and laws of religion. And the word easy - my yoke is easy - in the Greek means well fitted.
In the days of Jesus yokes were made of wood. The ox was brought to the carpenter's shop and carefully measured and then the yoke was roughed out. Then the ox was brought back and it was tried on him - the yoke was then marked - and carefully adjusted by shaving the wood. Each yoke was tailor made to fit each ox.
When Jesus says that "my yoke is easy and my burden light" what he means is this: The life I give you is not a burden to gall you, your task is made to measure to fit you. What Jesus is saying is: My burden is light, it is not meant to weigh you down with demands, it is not rules and regulations about what you can and can not do, nor is it a task that you will hate doing. No, the burden of Jesus is like the one in the old story about a man who comes upon a little boy carrying a still smaller boy, who was lame, upon his back.
"That's a heavy burden for you to carry", said the man. "That's no'a burden", came the answer, "that's my wee brother". Whatever Jesus sends us, and whatever he asks of us is made to fit our needs and our abilities exactly, it is made to give not only us, but our whole world rest.
We need to give up our old way of looking at life and assume the way of seeing and living that Christ wants us to have, the one that concerns our heart, the one that is suited to us.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, Come to me you who are tired of doing it all under your own steam and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, take what I have designed especially for you, and learn from me, learn from me for I am gentle and humble in spirit, for I am one who is at peace, one who knows the right way, Do this, come to me, and take what I have designed for you, learn from me, and you will find rest for your souls. You will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.
Who will rescue me?
An old hymn by the name of "Come Unto Me" says in its second verse: Are you disappointed, wandering here and there, dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care? Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast? Bring your case to Jesus, He will give you rest.
Come unto me, come unto me, I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you, Hear me and be blest
I am meek and lowly, come and trust my might
My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Who will rescue me?
Jesus invites us - come to me, learn from, take my yoke upon you - and I will give you rest. It is a promise, a promise that requires a very simple answer on our part to take effect. Come to Jesus like a child, listen to him, talk to him, do what he asks of you, and you will find your rest. AMEN
