How to Know God’s Will Romans 12:1-2
How to Know God’s Will Romans 12:1-2
A man wanted to know the will of God for his life, so took out his Bible, let the pages fall open, closed his eyes and put his finger down on a spot. Looking down at the verse under his finger he found that it said, “Judas went out and hanged himself.”
Slightly frustrated he followed the procedure again. This time the verse at the end of his fingertip instructed, “Go and do likewise.” Now alarmed he repeated the same steps once more. Anxiously, he peered down at the text under his finger which read, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
We all want to know what God’s will is for us in our lives. So many times I have struggled when making decisions on what God’s will is. I want to make the right decisions, but so many times it is hard to determine what it right for us to do. Perhaps you are dealing with the same questions. Every Christian at some time asks the question “what is God’s will in this situation?”
It seems that people expect God to reveal His will in a very special way. The truth is God has revealed His will to us. We can know what he wants us to do in most situations. I believe that within God’s Word is either a command or a principle that will show us His will for every situation.
So often we want to base our decisions on what we think God wants on how we feel. The world tells us if it feels good it must be right. We incorporate that idea into our decision making. Whenever we make a decision, however we should consider God’s will. We should ask ourselves two questions
1) What does the Bible tell us?
2) What would Jesus do?
I hope that we all are truly seeking to find God’s will in our lives and incorporate it in every decision we make. Sometimes it is hard to determine what God’s will is and sometimes it is not. It is not hard to determine what God’s will is if you are debating on whether to go to the bar and drink one night? It can be hard though to determine God’s will in other situations though where the scripture is not so clear. God’s will can be made evident to us. I think that Paul makes it clear how we can learn and determine God’s will for our lives. He seems to not give us some mystical things we can do, but most of learning God’s will is bettering our relationship with Him. The better you know him the easier it will be to determine His will.
As you get to know friends and as you grow in relationships you can determine easier how a person will react to certain situations. You know what your wife’s will is after you have built a relationship with her. Therefore if we want to know God’s will we must start and build a relationship with God.
I heard a story of a man who was baptized one Sunday morning, at the close of the service after the baptism, the preacher asked him to close in prayer. The man began to pray, saying “thank you God for Jesus”, then there was a pause and silence filled the air for about 30 seconds. Then he closed “I guess when I get to know you better I will know what to say to you”. Learning God’s will depends on our stance with Him.
If you have your Bibles open to Romans 12 you can read verses 1 and 2 along with me.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
To know God’s will, we must first offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
That’s what Paul tells the Romans. That to know God’s will they first must offer themselves to God as a living sacrifice. The readers immediately would have been drawn to thinking about the animal sacrifices that took place in the temple. Surely God is not asking us to go and jump onto an altar as a sacrifice. We are to be a living sacrifice. This basically means that our whole lives should be surrendered to God to be used for His glory. I believe that there are several ways that we can offer ourselves to God and show our devotion to Him.
First, we show our devotion to God through Bible Study.
Bible Study is of the most important aspects of our Christian lives. It is the way in which he communicates to us. If we want to learn His will we must study His word for that is where His will is revealed. We must be like the apostles who devoted themselves to the Apostle’s Teaching. We must do as Psalms tells us to write his word on our heart. If you want to know God’s will for your life, you must go to his word to see what it says. There is no better place to go. Many times I will read God’s Word looking for God’s will and it happens that when I am doing that I find just what I need, I get the answer I need. The times I struggle the most in finding God’s will is when I am not in God’s Word. We must offer ourselves to God by frequently studying God’s Word. The more and more we learn His Word the clearer we will know what God wants in our lives.
Second, we show our devotion to God through prayer.
Not only did the apostle’s devote themselves to the study of God’s Word, they also devoted themselves to prayer. So many times I hear of people looking for God’s will without prayer. Prayer is the way in which we communicate to God. Philippians 4:6 tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. It is through prayer that we lift our burdens off of us and give them to God. We must bring everything before the Lord and he will make clear to us what he wants us to do. We cannot go about our daily life; we cannot know God’s will if we are not talking to God. We must offer ourselves to God through prayer
Third, we show our devotion to God through fellowship.
Another thing that Acts tells us is that the Apostles were devoted to fellowship. They did this because fellowship helped them in their relationship with God. I believe fellowship is essential to determining God’s will. Sometimes God will use other people to communicate His will to us. Proverbs 12:15 tells us, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 24:6 says, For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Godly counsel is to be sought after. Have you ever been talking to someone who says just what you need to hear? God works through people to help his people! If we are deprived from fellowship we may miss the opportunity to hear what God has to say to us. This fellowship includes coming to Church whenever possible and being in conversation with fellow Christians as frequently as possible. There is no better place to be then where the saints are gathered. If we miss church we may be missing out on much more than just a service, we may miss God’s direction for our lives. With the current Coronavirus pandemic and church closures we must seek out fellowship in other places throughout the week. Scripture tells us that wherever two or three are gathered in my name there I will be. Fellowship is so important to our daily lives and our walk with the Lord. Remember as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. If we neglect the fellowship of our brothers and sisters besides the Lord’s Day we will have trouble growing and may miss hearing what God or godly people have to say to us. We must offer ourselves to God by devoting ourselves to fellowship with one another.
Second, to know God’s will we must not be conformed to this world.
Paul was very adamant in telling the Romans not to conform to the world. This is another thing that we must do if we want to be able to see God’s will in our lives. So many times Christians live double lives, and then expect God to provide for them in every way and to make His will known. When one conforms to the world God’s will becomes distorted. We cannot determine God’s will if we are not living for Him, and even more if we are living in the world.
The world says that anything goes. How can we determine God’s will living in the world, when the world tells us that anything goes. One can see clearly the world’s view on life and morals by watching television. Television shows and the media today mock God, laugh at those with morals, make adultery and fornication a funny situation, and make sexual innuendos every time you turn around. It seems that many people seek God’s will or an answer to their decisions through the television. The world will tell you that anything goes, and it does not matter what your decisions are, but God makes clear that there is a right and wrong and it does matter what decisions you make. Do not be conformed to the world.
The world also mocks God. To most people the thought of even caring what God thinks is humorous. But we in everything must seek God. The world will mock us, the world will laugh at decisions and stances you take on certain issues, but we must hold our ground. Jesus makes it clear that Christians will be mocked when he says if they did not accept me they will not accept you either. He warned His disciples numerous times of the mockers and persecutors of the faith. Why would you want to participate in the things of the World, when they are the very people who mock God and godly people.
The world is not guided by the Spirit as we are called to be led by the Spirit. It is clear in the scriptures that there is a big difference in decision making by those who are guided by the spirit and those guided by the flesh. Those guided by the Spirit seek to please the spirit and those guided by the flesh seek to please the flesh. The world is guided by the flesh. If we are living in the world we are living and living like people who are living contrary to the spirit of God. Sure people of the world can make good decisions, but they cannot include God in their decisions because they do not understand God. Do not be conformed to the world
Therefore, if we leave behind the world and the things of the world we can more clearly see what God wants us to do. Do not seek advice from pagans, but from those guided by the Spirit. Do not be conformed to the world then you will be able to see what God’s will is for your life. Paul says not to be conformed to the world so that we can clearly see God’s will and not have a distorted worldly view.
One of m professors said, many of us are like fish swimming in muddy water. We have been swimming so long in the mud we do not know what clear water is like. We cannot even tell right from wrong. Do not be conformed to the world.
Third, to know God’s we we must be transformed. Paul makes it clear that in order to know God’s will we must be transformed. What does transformed mean? It simply means to change. We may have to make some changes in our life in order to see God’s will.
You will be transformed by repenting. If there is sin in our life that is continuous, perhaps we need to repent in order to better see what God wants from us. We cannot expect to know what God wants us to do if we are living in sin. Sometimes we simply need to humble ourselves and repent and turn away from our sin. Repentance is a change for the better. It is not simply asking forgiveness, it is changing. Maybe you need to repent of sin. We all have sin that we need to repent and turn from; we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I encourage us all tonight to repent from any sins that we have. Sin separates us from God and hinders us from knowing Him better. Let us remove the sin that is on our life so that we can clearer see what He wants us to do. As Paul told Titus, Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles us and run the race with perseverance. God’s Word makes it clear how we are to live, and if we are doing contrary we need to repent and turn away and be transformed.
You will be transformed by obeying. Perhaps you are seeking God’s will and cannot determine it. A question that you need to ask yourself is, do I have the Spirit of Christ? Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to all those who ask. One cannot appropriately make decisions if they lack they Holy Spirit. First, you must obey the gospel by confessing your sins and accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior. Second, you must be obedient as Christ calls you to publicly declare your new life through Baptism. A non-Christian cannot truly know what God wants or expects. Obedience to God’s Word brings transformation.
You will be transformed as you continue pressing on in faith. If you still cannot determine God’s will and are a Christian and have repented, then you simply need to continue to be faithful to the Lord. Continue to Study God’s Word. Continue to pray diligently. Continue to fellowship with one another. Fight the good fight, finish the course and in that time you will be able to see God’s will.
Let me finish with this thought. A.W. Tozer writes in the Pursuit of God: “Why do some persons find God in a way that others do not? Why does God manifest His presence to some and let multitudes of others struggle along in the half-light of imperfect Christian experience? Of course the will of God is the same for all. He has no favorites within his household. All he has ever done for any of his children he will do for all his children. The difference lies not with God but with us.” How open are we to trying something new, even if it takes a little effort on our parts. Our spiritual receptivity or our openness to God depends on who is in charge. The more God is in charge the more receptive we are to his voice and experiencing his presence.”
Let us pray.
Do This In Remembrance Of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 with Pastor Barry Kerner
Order of Service for July 5th, 2020
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Worship Song
Community Prayer
Today’s Message
Responsive Reading
Service of Communion
Prayer and Benediction
Responsive Reading
Leader: As we come to the Lord’s table, let us come with a spirit of humility and penitence.
Members: Compassionate God, have mercy on us we pray.
Leader: Let us examine ourselves: out thoughts, our actions, our motives, and our attitudes toward others.
Members: O Holy God, have mercy and forgive us our shortcomings.
Leader: Help us to remember our responsibility to our families and our neighbors, our stewardship to you and the work you have given to our hands.
Members: O Living God, we stand in need of your grace, strength, and mercy.
Leader: As we eat the bread, which represents your body, which is the True and Living Bread, open our eyes to recognize the intimacy that you yearn to share with us.
Members: O Loving God, teach us to love you above all else.
Leader: As we drink the cup, which represents Christ’s blood shed for us, we thank you for the new covenant. “Love ye one another,” which is written on our hearts. Let us rejoice because our names are written in heaven.
Members: May your redeeming love renew us for loving service for others.
Leader: May this Lord’s Supper energize every area of our lives and enable us to transcend our circumstances, our inadequacies, and our enemies.
Members: Father, touch and empower us so that our lives will be renewed.
Leader: We praise you, O God, who make us Your own people through the death and resurrection of your Son, our Lord.
Members: Abide in us, and fill us with the life-giving power of your Spirit, now and forever.
Service Text
Do This In Remembrance Of Me
1 Corinthians 11:23-34
Ever since the early Christians met secretly in homes to remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the church has been celebrating the Service of Holy Communion. Of all the things we do in the church, this one event should hold the most meaning for us, and it should cause us to be humbled by the message behind the service.
I think that, far too often, the Communion celebration is looked upon as being common place. It is just something “we do every month”. In reality, it is far more than this! In many churches throughout the world the elements of bread and wine or juice are placed on a stand with the words, “Table Of Remembrance” engraved across the front. This time we call Communion is an opportunity for the church to worship the Lord Jesus by using these simple elements to remember what Christ did for us at Calvary and at the garden tomb. It is a time when we can rehearse the message of the Gospel in the ears of those who may not know it. It is also a time to reflect upon our walk with Jesus as individuals.
Today, we are going to partake of the Communion once again. But, before we do, I want to draw your attention to what these verses teach us about this special time. Allow me to point out several marks of this time known as Communion. As I do, please look into your own heart and examine your life on the basis of what the Bible says about this event known as The Lord’s Supper.
Let us read from today’s passage 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verses 23-34.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 34 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
And when I come I will give further directions.
In verses 23-25 we are reminded that this is a time of COMMEMORATION.
These verses remind us that the Lord’s Supper Service is a time for “calling to mind” the great sacrifice and victorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we gather at the Lord’s Table for Communion, we are not offering a new sacrifice. We are remembering His “once for all” sacrifice, Hebrews 10:10 explains to us that, we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” The idea of remembering is more than just recalling that an event took place. It has the idea of stirring up the mind to relive with Jesus Christ as much of His life, death and resurrection as is humanly possible.
It is a time to remember that:
- He left heaven to be born in a human body – Philippians 2:5-6
- He became poor that we might be rich – 2 Corinthians 8:9
- He bore our sins in His Own body on the tree – 1 Peter 2:24
- He willingly took our place on Calvary – Isaiah 53:4-6
- He shed His blood for our redemption – Revelation 1:5, 5:9, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
- He conquered death for us forever – Matthew 28:1-6; Revelations 1:18
- He ascended back to Heaven to finish His redemptive work and to serve as out High Priest forever – Hebrews 7:25
These three verses also remind us that it is a time of COMTEMPLATION.
Not only are we to remember what Jesus has done for humanity, but we are to contemplate what His sacrifice means to us as individuals. 1 Timothy 1:15 tells us that came into this world and died on the cross to save sinners. But, what does that mean to you? Have you been saved? If you are saved, does His sacrifice move your heart toward Him in worship? Does the fact that He is alive forevermore thrill your soul and cause you to bow before Him in humility and worship?
We should use this time to reflect on what the finished work of Christ means to us as individuals. Our minds should reflect on what His death and resurrection has accomplished in our lives. It is a great time to consider your personal walk with the Lord! Is it all it should be? Are you living in a manner that pleases Him? Is your heart right with the Lord? Consider your relationship to the Lord during this special time.
Verses 23 through 25 also remind us that it is a time of IDENTIFICATION.
When we take the Lord’s Supper, we are publicly identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ. Now, it is possible for a lost person to partake of the Lord’s Supper and never be saved. This event holds no saving power! However, for those who are saved, it is a time for us to declare publicly that we believe His death and resurrection were for us!
Let us who have been saved by grace boldly identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9-11 that those who know Him are not to be ashamed of Him. The world may call us fools. They may say we use the Lord as a crutch. Regardless of what they say, let us take our stand with the redeemed and loudly proclaim our faith in Him and our dependence upon His sacrifice. Yes, The Lord’s Supper Service is a prime time to identify yourself with the Lord Jesus!
Verse 26 reminds us that the Service of Holy Communion is a time of DECLARATION.
This verse reminds us that when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are declaring His death and resurrection to new generations of people. This is to be a time of education as well as a time of worship. We must always take the time to explain what we are doing when we take the bread and juice. This service is a prime time for declaring the Gospel message to those who do not know it.
That is why we preach the Gospel message! We proclaim it so that men and women, boy and girls will have the opportunity to believe on Jesus Christ as all the redeemed have done. Therefore, let us determine that we will ever remind this lost and dying world that there is only one source of salvation and that His name is Jesus Christ.
In a day when many churches are becoming “seeker friendly” and others are abandoning the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith alone, let us determine that as long as there is breath in our bodies, we will strive to protect the message in this church! We could compromise and draw a crowd, but I had rather preach the truth to a few than to drag a crowd behind me into a Christ-less eternity!
Verse 26 also reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is a time of EXPECTATION.
We are also reminded that this time serves to stir up our thoughts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is, He died for us, He rose again for us and He ascended into Heaven for us. There, He makes intercession for us at the throne of God. John 14:1-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 also help us to not forget that He has also promised to return someday for us.
The Lord’s Supper service should serve to remind us of the fact that He is coming! It should stir up our hearts by reminding us that one day soon, our Savior will return from glory to take His children home to Heaven. Therefore, when the bred and juice are passed in a few minutes, remember, Jesus is coming and He is coming for a redeemed people.
Are you ready for His coming? We are to live expectantly as Matthew 24:24 tells us, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Verses 27-31 remind us that it is a time of EXAMINATION.
While all the other truths we have considered today are important, this final one is very serious in its warning to you and me. The Lord’s Supper service is a time of reflection and worship, but it is also a time of self-examination. We are warned against partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner.
First, It Is A Warning To The Lost – No one who has not been saved should take of the Lord’s Supper service. It is a dangerous thing to do so!
Second, It Is A Warning To The Backslider – When we come to the Lord’s table with sin in our lives, we open our lives up to God’s judgment. He will chasten His children when they profess to be right with God, and yet they are harboring sin in their hearts.
Third, It Is A Warning Against Taking It Lightly – Too often, people will come to the Lord’s table and will not take the time to search their hearts for sin, nor will they consider the great sacrifice Jesus gave for their redemption. They go through the motions, but ignore the emotions. Others participate in it ritualistically and not with their minds and hearts. Others trust the ceremony to save them and fail to trust the One to Whom the ceremony points. Others come with bitterness and hatred in their hearts toward other believers. All of these are dangerous and bring the chastisement of God into our lives.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper in a manner which degrades the truth behind the celebration, we are guilty of trampling under foot the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. When someone walks on the flag of the United States in protest, they are doing more than damaging a piece of cloth. They are actually dishonoring this nation and all it stands for! The same is true at the Lord’s Table! Let us be careful to examine our hearts, our lives and our motives before we receive the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Paul’s warning is serious! He reminds the Corinthians that some of there number is dead because they came to the Lord’s Table in an unworthy manner! The remedy for this is for us to examine ourselves, confess our sins and to right every wrong possible, before we come to the Lord’s Table! If we will take the time to judge our own lives, the Lord will not have to judge them for us. But, even when His chastisement comes upon us, it is for our own good, and is a product of His love for us.
Verses 33 and 34 remind us that the Communion Service is a time of COMMUNITY.
As the church is the Body of Christ we are extorted to eat and drink as a body. When we come together and celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are declaring to ourselves and those around us our resolve to reflect Christ’s love and forgiveness and so to be unified. There is power is the blood of Jesus and there is power when God’s people, led by his Holy Spirit work together as one. In Genesis 11:6 the Lord declared that if the people speak one language and are of one mind then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
As a child, many of us can remember our mothers telling us to “wash up for supper.” Well, that is what the Lord is telling you and me this morning! Are you in a right condition to receive the Lord’s Supper today?
Before we celebrate the service of Holy Communion, take a moment to examine yourself and to answer these questions:
- Are you saved?
- Is your life pleasing to the Lord?
- Are there hidden things in your life that need to be dealt with this morning?
- Is there ANY problem between you and another believer?
- Can you honestly say that your heart and life and pure?
- Are you ready to receive the bread and juice with a heart of true worship for God our Father?
Let us pray.
Deliverance Delayed Exodus 5:22-24 Sunday Sermon for June 28 2020
Deliverance Delayed
Exodus 5:22-24
Pastor Barry Kerner
More than 20 years ago I began a prayer list to help me remember for whom and for what I sought God’s intervention. Over the years as God, through his mercy and grace, answered prayers they were removed from the list. As more needs arose, they were added to the list. Every year though the list seems to grow. One reason the list became longer is that God has proven himself time and again and I’ve found myself trusting in him more and more. Another reason is that over the years God has opened my eyes and heart to see more of the needs of the world around me.
As the Coronavirus pandemic spread this year I found the list growing weekly. Added to the list were prayers for others for continued health, prayers for the well being of individuals isolated by social distancing, prayers for those who have lost jobs and face difficult financial times, prayers for those most vulnerable front line workers, as well as prayers for our local churches and possible re-openings. Some of those prayers have been answered but many still await God’s intervention
It’s those prayers that remain on prayer list week after week, month after month or maybe even year after year that I want to look at. What about when the answer to prayer doesn’t come right away? What happens when we get a different answer than the one we expected to get? What happens when we pray and things seem get worse instead of better? What happens when deliverance is delayed?
How many or you know that we serve a mighty God? Hopefully everyone listening agrees with the statement, “We serve a mighty God!” We all love to talk about the wonderful miracle working power of almighty God. Truly He is a mighty God. He has all power in His hand. There is nothing that is too hard for God to do. Any problem that you might have right now or will have in the future is not too hard for God to solve. Any trouble that you find yourself in right now or in the future is not too hard for God to fix. Any situation that is relative to your particular set of unique circumstances from your life is not too big for God to deal with and take care of.
It doesn’t matter what the problem is.
It doesn’t matter what the need is.
It doesn’t matter what the situation is.
It doesn’t matter what the adversity is.
Because God is a mighty God!
It doesn’t matter how strong the storm is.
It doesn’t matter how fierce the winds are.
It doesn’t matter how high the floodwaters are.
It doesn’t matter how bad it looks to everybody around you.
It doesn’t matter how serious it looks right now.
Because God is well able to meet your need in just one instant of time. He is a mighty, mighty God.
If you have a:
Financial need – no problem
Healing need – no problem
Marital need – no problem
Family need – no problem
Salvation need – no problem
Any need at all – it’s no problem with God
Our God is a mighty God and he is able!
The Word of God says:
But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory
Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think
He is able to always cause us to triumph
He is able to always bring the victory
He is a mighty, mighty, powerful, awesome, wonderful God!
So today we have established that our God is able to meet your needs whatever the need is. But what about when the answer doesn’t come right away? What happens when we get a different answer than the one we expected to get? What happens when we pray and things get worse instead of better? What happens when deliverance is delayed?
Why do we face difficulties even when we are doing what God told us to do? When these questions come does that affect our view of the mighty God that we serve? When the answer doesn’t come do we think differently about God?
In our scripture text, Exodus 5:20-24, we find Moses lashing out at God, 22 Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? 23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”
Moses has done what God has told him to do but things have gotten worse instead of better. I’ve done what you told me to do but you haven’t done anything, Lord. I’ve kept my part of the bargain but you haven’t kept your part God. You still haven’t delivered us yet. You still haven’t showed up yet. We are still waiting for you to do what you said you would do.
I can hear the bitter cries of Mary and Martha as they weep. “Jesus, where are you?” “Jesus, how come you haven’t come by here just yet?” They had called for the master to come but he never did and now it’s too late because their brother Lazarus is dead. Mary weeps off in a corner somewhere, “Lord, I just don’t understand. I’m confused.” Martha moans as she falls to her knees, “Jesus, I thought you would have come. I thought you were our friend.” But still Jesus has not come-… yet.
There are times in all of our lives that things appear to be just like that.
- Things appear to be dead.
- It appears to be over.
- It appears that God has turned a deaf ear to you and your cry.
- Your dreams are dead.
- It looks like God has forgotten about you.
- You are desperate for an answer but no answer has come.
- You feel like it is too late for God to do anything concerning your situation.
- You feel just like Martha did when her brother died – your too late God!
- You cry out, “God where are you?” But the wind picks up your cry and slaps it back in your face again.
- You stagger along like a drunken man in your spirit as the enemy delivers more and more adversity to you.
But wait! Before you give up for good let’s take another look. Off in the distance I see God walking toward you on the stormy waters of your adversity. I’m looking down the rough and dusty road of adversity in your life and I think I see something coming toward you down the road.
The Bible says:
“I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord. My help is coming right now!” “Look up for your redemption draweth nigh.” It may not be here yet but it’s on the way. It’s almost here.”
Let me tell you today that, God does all things well even when it seems like it’s disaster. God has his own plan and his own time clock for your life and for your deliverance
God is never too late even when we think he is. God is still in charge and God is still on your side. You can and you will eventually triumph over the distasteful business of hell if you are willing to patiently wait on the Lord even when the answer hasn’t come yet.
When deliverance is delayed recall Isaiah 40:27-29,31, “27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
If you can just wait on the Lord a little while longer he will renew your strength. The answer hasn’t arrived yet but he will renew your strength. Why does he work the way that he does? I don’t know but I do know this: We will understand it better bye and bye if we wait on the Lord. Isaiah 55:8-11 reminds us, “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
God’s ways are much higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He doesn’t do things just like we would do them. He doesn’t think like us. But there is one thing that we do know about God and that is His word will not return to him void. It will accomplish its intended purpose. If God has told you that he will do something in your life you can count on it that he will do it!
The storms of life come to everybody, even the child of God. Sometimes God calms the storm and other times he gets on board with us and calms his child and you ride out the storm with him. Deliverance might be delayed right now but keep on waiting on the Lord.
We look at the life of the apostle Paul and say what a great man. I wish I could be more like Paul – oh really? Let’s look a bit more closely at his life. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 we read, “ 8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;”
Notice what it says here about Paul:
- Paul had trouble
- Paul despaired of life
- Paul had the sentence of death in him
- He stated that he would not trust in himself but in God
- God delivered him from death
- He trusted that God would deliver him again
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 encourages us, “8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Paul talks of trials and tribulations, “24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
Paul was a man that was used greatly by God but he was also a man that suffered much for God. Paul suffered much pain but what brought him through was his attitude toward the pain. He cared much more about the glory of God resting on him than he did the pain.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul saw his pain turned into pleasure. He said, “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.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.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. 10 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.”
It’s not normal to take pleasure in infirmities and adversity, but the thing that Paul learned was that you must trust in God in spite of what you are going through. He learned that it’s the pain and suffering that is, at times, the steadying influence in our lives. The heavy burden can actually act as a ballast for us anchoring our lives in the midst of the raging storm.
Dr. Thomas A. Lambie, medical missionary, to Africa, told about how he forded many swift and bridgeless streams. The danger in crossing such streams lies in being swept off your feet and carried down stream to greater depths and hurled to death on hidden rocks. Dr. Lambie learned from the natives the best way to make such a hazardous crossing. You find a large stone, the heavier the better, and lift it to your shoulder, and carry it across the stream. The extra weight of the stone keeps your feet solid on the bed of the stream while crossing. Dr. Lambie drew this application: While crossing the dangerous streams of life, enemies constantly seek to overthrow us and rush us down to ruin. We need the ballast of burden bearing, a load of affliction, to keep us from being swept off our feet.
Martin Luther once said, “Ah! Affliction is the best book in my library.” In life it will be the grievous things that help lift us up to Heaven. Why is it that God allows the trials to come to us? Why does God allow the pain to come that is so intense that it seems difficult to even breathe? Why does God allow us to weep and cry over and over again about the same crisis? Your pillow is wet with tears at night. You cry out to God but it seems like he is not listening. You put a smile on your face when you deal with the world but deep down inside you are broken and there is pain.
At times like this we can look to the scriptures and be encouraged by the lives and victories of others.
- Job went through that kind of adversity.
- Hagar went through that kind of a situation.
- Naomi went through that kind of a difficulty.
- Hannah went through that kind of a trying dark time in her life.
- Jacob feared for his life when Esau was coming to kill him.
- David was surrounded by his own men that wanted to stone him
- Paul was stoned and left for dead.
What do you do in that situation that you find yourself in? What do you do? You trust in God! You continue to wait on the Lord. You continue to hold his hand even when you don’t agree with the way he is leading you. Trust in God when deliverance is delayed.
1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Pain and affliction are allowed so that people will keep close to the Lord in prayer. We don’t want those things in our life. We don’t want those times in our life. But it is the trial and the adversity that will purify us and bring us closer to God. It’s the bearing of the burden that will strengthen us to endure all the way to the end in our walk with God.
It’s easy for people without much invested in this Christian walk to backslide and fall away from God. But those with something invested in their walk with God and those who have completely sold out to God will want to hold on all the way to the end. They have been through: The fire. The floods. The storms. The difficulties. The adversity
And the trying of their faith has produced a quality in them that is as pure as gold
1 Peter 5:10 puts it this way, “10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.”
What do we do during the delay? We have looked at the fact that there will be delays. But, how do we make it through? Isaiah 35:4 tells us how, “4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.”
Isaiah 41:10 tells us how, “10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 43:1-5 tells us how, “1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;”
And, Deuteronomy 20:3-4 tells us how, “3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; 4 For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
When deliverance is delayed keep trusting in God. Trust God, even though it may seem like prayer doesn’t work. Even though it may seem like at the moment He is not near and has abandoned you. Isaiah 41:9,10 says, “You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, You are my servant, I have chosen you, and have not cast you away. Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
If we have faith and sincerely trust God, we will not be concerned as to whether the answer is “wait” or the answer is “no” or “yes.” We must just trust, and wait and see if God in His timing will see fit to answer as we have requested, or perhaps He has something better in mind for us. Remember your prayer should end with “Not my will, Lord, but Your will.” (Luke 22:42). And remember the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Good, Good Father Luke 15:11-32 By Pastor Barry Kerner
Good, Good Father
Luke 15:11-32
Pastor Barry Kerner
Sometime back, I came a cross one of those top ten lists that David Letterman reads on The Late Show. This one was called: “The Top-Ten Things You’ll Never Hear a Dad Say”And I figured, since this is Father’s Day, it might be good to read it. So here we go:
Ten things you never heard come out of your father’s mouth:
Number 10 “Well, how ’bout that! … I’m lost! … Looks like we’ll have to stop and ask for directions.”
Number 9 “You know Sweetie, now that you’re thirteen, you’ll be ready for un-chaperoned car dates. Won’t that be fun?
Number 8 “I noticed that all your friends seem to be doing some risky things….Don’t you think you should join them?
Number 7 “Here’s a credit card and the keys to my new car –… GO CRAZY!”
Number 6 “What do you mean you wanna play football? Figure skating’s not good enough for you, son?”
Number 5 “Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend …you might want to consider throwing a party.”
Number 4 “Well, I don’t know what’s wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies – you know — that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a
mechanic and pay whatever he asks.”
Number 3 “Now Listen! No son of mine is going to live under this roof without an earring – so quit your belly-aching, and let’s go to them all!”
Number 2 “What do you mean you wanna go and get a job? Don’t I make plenty of money for you to spend?”
And the Number 1 thing you never heard your father say: “Would you mind turning that music up a bit!”
Father’s Day can bring up memories & feelings for all of us – And for those who grew up in homes touched by alcoholism, drug addiction or abuse, the memories aren’t always happy ones.
I know a pastor who served for many years as the chaplain in a very large state prison.
And he tells the story of how, during his very first year there: when Mother’s Day arrived in early May, he was overwhelmed with requests from the prisoners for
Mother’s Day cards for the men to send home. He gave out boxes and boxes of ‘em – but he never seemed to have enough to meet all the demand. And so the priest said to himself – next time, he wasn’t going to be caught short – and so the very next month, when Father’s Day rolled around, he’d stocked up with plenty of cards – but he was shocked at what happened next – almost none of the men asked for them.
This time he was left with boxes and boxes of unused cards. When he asked one of the other chaplains why nobody wanted the cards the guy said:“Welcome to prison! Most of these men never knew their fathers and a lot of the ones who do would just as soon forget them.” Father’s Day can bring up memories & feelings that many of us would just as soon forget.
Today’s Bible story is familiar to most of us. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. We’re going to be looking at the Prodigal Son’s father because this father that Jesus describes is so unlike many that the world knows.
Let’s read Luke 15 verses 11-32.
1 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Now Jesus told this story because he’s being asked by the righteous, church-going people in his town: Why’s he hanging out with the ones they consider all the lowlife scum in their community? Why’s he paling around with prostitutes and talking it up with tax traitors – Why’s he healing lepers and helping out all the so-called losers – What’s the deal, Jesus? You’re supposed to be a holy man – a prophet – don’t you know who these people are?
And so it’s in this context that Jesus tells them this story. It’s Jesus explaining to the church people of his day what he’s doing – because what he was doing, wasn’t what any of them were doing. But, according to Jesus, what he’s doing is exactly what the God of his understanding is always doing. He’s loving his children —- “unconditionally.” He’s loving them in ways that absolutely blow away all their old ideas about who God is and how God works in our lives. In his parable, Jesus is saying: you’ve got some old ideas about God, and I want to open your eyes and help you see a very different image of the God I know so well.
Almost four hundred years ago Rembrandt painted a work that he called, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” It’s considered one of his greatest works and is the artist’s understanding of this gospel scene where the prodigal son finally comes to his senses and returns to his father.
There are two things about the father that the artist painted into the scene that most people can very easily miss. The first has to do with the way he’s painted the father’s eyes. According to Rembrandt, the father is blind. In Rembrandt’s imagination – the father doesn’t even have the ability to see any or all of the terrible things that his son has done to him. All this father does is to love his son. He loves his son when he spits in his face by asking for his inheritance. He loves his son when he walks away from his family. His father turns a blind eye to all of that. He’s blind to the insult – He simply keeps on loving – and instead of giving him the back of his hand – he gives the boy exactly what he asks for.
But, the son blows it all and ends up destitute. And, being the little con artist that he is, this kid is still trying to manipulate his father. “I’ve got a plan!” he says, “I’ll tell my father that I don’t deserve to be called his son – I’ll play on his mercy – I’ll ask him to take me in and treat me like one of his servants. It’s a halfhearted contrition. But the father seems blind to that too. Maybe Love really is blind!
All this loving father can do is throw his arms around his son – And instead of treating him like a servant (which was the son’s plan) he treats him like royalty (which is God’s plan!) He puts rings on his fingers and a robe on his back. He showers him with kisses and presses him close to his heart.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father’s unchanging, consistent, and enduring love for his son in all circumstances are a role model for loving our own children with patience, persistence, compassion, flexibility and fortitude.
And there’s something else about this painting that’s puzzled people for centuries.
It’s the way the artist depicts the father’s two hands. Hands that are holding on to this wayward son. For some reason Rembrandt’s painted each of the father’s hands very differently – One hand is very clearly the hand of a man – And the other is just as clearly, the hand of a woman. Rembrandt’s saying something very powerful here about the God of his understanding – and about how it is that God loves us.
He seems to be saying that God loves us both as a father loves and as a mother loves too.
This father is strong – and that’s the male hand that’s supporting his son –
- It’s holding him up so he doesn’t fall again –
- It’s the hand that’s encouraging him and blessing him.
- He’s passing on his energy to the next generation so this son of his will be strong enough some day to pass it on to his son too.
- If we missed receiving these things from our fathers – the good news is: it’s never too late to get them. God makes that possible. And maybe the bigger ‘the Father hole’ we have inside our souls – the more open we’ll be to letting God come and fill it, and the more grateful we’ll be to receive it.
While all of this is going on, with his other hand, with his female side – this father’s also gently hugging his son’s neck – He’s embracing him, much as a mother would hug her child.
- This father isn’t afraid to show love.
- He’s not afraid to make himself vulnerable –
- He isn’t afraid to cry or to open his heart.
- We need that from our fathers – and we need it from our God too!
The scriptures tell us that we’re each wonderfully made. They say we’re made in the very image and likeness of God – And because we reflect him and who he is, then God must embody the best of both male and female attributes. We have a God who is both strong and tender. A God who’s full of power and might. And, one who’s also full of love and compassion.
We are reminded daily that we live in a culture that mocks grace and nourishes revenge keeping our lives and our world divided, fragmented and fearful. In the affairs of human beings, there is a vicious cycle of separation and retaliation.
On a personal level, in the parable, there is a father and son who had a vital relationship over the years that had festered into the pain of separation. But as we have seen in the parable, a father’s forgiveness added immensely to the quality of the father and son’s relationship. This relationship was possible because of the son’s confession, when he said, “Father, I have sinned against you and I am no longer worthy to be you son.”(v.19). The father accepts his confession by saying, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again.”(v.24). They began to celebrate a new life together as father and son.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a parable of sheer grace. Grace is described as “God’s love in action.” Defined in the scriptures as “steadfast love,” being reliable, constant and trustworthy. Each person is of such value to God that none is excluded from God’s grace and forgiveness—neither should we withhold our forgiveness from others.
Regardless how far we have traveled down the road of rebellion and despair or how grievous a sin we have committed, no one is beyond God’s love and care. There is nothing in heaven or earth as dogged, determined, stubborn, or persistent as the grace of God that seeks to save.
A while ago, I came across a collection of scripture passages that were put together to make up an imaginary Father’s Day card from our God. Someone gathered up one liners from the Old and the New Testament and strung them all together. If you’ll listen to them carefully, I think you’ll hear the grace and love of our heavenly Father.
It reads like this:
MY CHILD . . .
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head I’ve numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my own image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
You are my child. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son Jesus. John 17:23
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
Your Father is waiting, won’t you come home. Luke 15: 7
Let us close in a word of prayer.
O Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth, through your Son Jesus Christ you have revealed yourself as a heavenly Father to all of your children. Bless, we pray, all earthly fathers. Strengthen them to nurture, protect, and guide the children entrusted to their care. Instill within them the virtues of love and patience. May they be slow to anger and quick to forgive. And through the ministrations of your Holy Spirit, may all fathers be strong and steadfast examples of faithfulness, responsibility, and loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.