Greater Works: Reflections from a Sermon

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 - ESV)

I enjoyed meeting Marco Coleman at the SCA golf tournament last Friday. Marco is a former Jaguar and played 14 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end. That he is fairly healthy after playing for that long in one of the most physically demanding sports is simply amazing! Our team shot one under par, and we used 9 mulligans! Needless to say, we did not win – the winners were 10 under par. Thus, my annual adventure on the golf course last Friday reminded me why my boyhood dream to play professionally did not become a reality.

In order to accomplish our dreams and be successful, we have to be willing to pay the price…

So it is in our pursuit of God. Sunday’s sermon reminded me that my pursuit of Him requires a singular commitment to trust Him in every aspect of life.

What does it take to accomplish great things for God? Do we dream big enough? Are we willing to dream small enough? The seed of a big dream for God is usually about the size of a mustard seed. When it is planted, the future is born.

The work that God asks us to do is often too great for us. I sometimes lose focus and do not trust His ability to provide because I am easily distracted by my circumstances. Excuses are easy; perseverance is difficult.

“Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7)

Success does not always conform to our time frame or fit our paradigm of the future. Patience, my friends, God is at work. Let us work as though everything depends on us, but pray like everything depends on God. Because it does!

Remembering God - Remembering the Sabbath

For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)

These are some of the last prophetic words before the kingdom of Israel collapsed. Israel had forgotten the meaning behind the ceremonial sacrifices and offerings; they had forgotten who God was and what He had done to procure their success and salvation. It was too late for Israel, their hearts were hardened and they had become apostate. However, true to His compassionate nature, God promised to “heal their apostasy” (14:4).

But go and learn what this means… (Matthew 9:13)

But if you had known what this means… (Matthew 12:7)

The Pharisees challenged Jesus because He was eating with sinners (9:13) and working on the Sabbath (12:7). In both cases, Jesus challenged their loyalty to, and their knowledge of God. They had forgotten the true purpose of the sacrifice and the Sabbath; to remember God’s compassionate nature. Thus they were unprepared for the revelation that He was the healer of Israel’s apostasy and the hope of ALL mankind. They were unprepared for EASTER.

During the Lenten season leading up to the remembering of Christ’s death and resurrection, I hope that each of us will pause to remember how God has personally intervened on our behalf. Through all of the pain and challenges in our lives, there is good, there is hope, and there is God.

Remembering the Sabbath is more than just going to church and taking a day of rest; it is remembering why we do what we do, and for whom.

Lesson Learned

"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” (C. S. Lewis)

I stumbled on this quote via Facebook last night and paused long enough to remember that lessons learned from experience tend to be painful. Not so much physical pain, although some are, but most carry significant psychological and spiritual pain or angst. This may sound a bit morbid, but I’m not sure I want to forget the pain. I’m afraid that if I do, I will forget the value of the lesson learned and repeat the mistake.

While wandering my own path and doing life my way without an earthly father to guide me, my heavenly Father stood on the ramparts waiting for me to return to His house. When I did, He lavished me in His grace and mercy. He needn’t have condemned me; I did enough of that on my own. He forgave and treated me as if I had never left. For that, I am eternally grateful.

About a month ago, I came across a prayer by Thomas Maclellan written June 7, 1857. It has become part of my journal:

I now fall down before Thy throne and prostrate myself at Thy footstool… O God of Heaven, record it in the book of Thy rememberances that from henceforth I am Thine forever. I renounce all former lords that have ever had dominion over me and consecrate all that I am and all that I have, the faculties of my mind, the members of my body, my worldly possessions, my time, and my influence over others, all to be used entirely for Thy glory and resolutely employed in obedience to Thy commands as long as Thou continues me in life.

May it be so…