Sermon nuggets Thurs Jan 15
Theme- Called to Service
Verses- John 21:20-22 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")
21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Clarity of Service
Peter had been told that he would die a martyr. Peter sees his fellow disciple, John, and asks Jesus about what will happen to him. Jesus responds with hard but true words. Basically he is saying “that is none of your business. You are to follow me with the call and plan I have for you.” He couldn’t be clearer, could He?
Don’t pay attention to what others are doing, only do what God is asking of you. Each call is independent and individual. We all are called to follow Jesus. But that path may lead in entirely different directions and circumstances. No doubt most will be tested and there is hardly a path that doesn’t have rocks, ruts, and barriers on them.
We like to judge our work and our acts based on what others are doing. I sure do. I feel the most discouraged when I see the ways others serve the Lord and I feel so inferior to their gifts, abilities, zeal, and successes. Such introspection has often tempted me to quit and get out of the way so someone more talented and effective can take my place in the service of the Lord. I too often am like Peter wanting to look at the call of others and compare and contrast them with mine.
Israel looked at the wealth and strength of others nations and they envied a king. That was not Gods will for them. Simon the sorcerer looked at the disciples and wanted that same ability to touch others who then would speak in tongues. He was rebuked for his heart was not right. Too often we can look around and see what other churches are doing and envy their programs and think that is our answer. Churches copy one another since they seem to be blessed. We want to be like them. But what difference does that make if one is obedient to the call of God? God does not want all works to be the same, all churches to do the same thing, nor each Christian to look alike.
Certainly we can learn from others. There is no sense in trying to reinvent the wheel. Looking at the call and re-evaluating the methods can be healthy but the temptation is that God is doing the work His way in and through us, it is not our doing. The clarity of service is following Jesus alone and letting Him lead.
Notice that Jesus acknowledges His sovereign control over the disciples. “If I want John to remain awhile what is that to you?” He has the power to make John remain if that is Jesus’ will. He is the designer of our plans. He is God. Our paths have been prepared for us as well as our death. Peter was to be the shepherd of Israel; Paul was to be the missionary to the Gentiles; John was to be His witness, an author and reveal his heavenly vision to pass on the churches.
A few are called to die and others may suffer physically, emotionally or socially because of their commitment to Christ. Yet some will experience financial hardship for being a Christian. If this cause us to envy others because God is giving them what seems to be a less costly ride, we need to listen carefully to Jesus word to Peter. “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Most of the disciples were led the path of martyrdom. Most others were not. Some live very quiet lives and raise families and are faithful to their jobs, churches and communities. If that is your call do it with faithfulness and bless the Lord. But be open to change if that path is placed before you.
Come and follow was the command to the rich young ruler and he went away very sorrowful for he had many riches and unless he repented of them those riches went him to hell. What is Jesus asking of you?
Pastor Dale
