The Israelites felt that way too. Look at Isaiah 42...The Israelites are the chosen people, and yet they continued to sin and turn away from the Lord their God. In verses 23-25, in particular verse 24
"Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law...."
But then we turn over to chapter 43, and God offers them redemption and restoration:
1. "But now, thus says the Lord, Who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:
'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
2. When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.
3. For I AM the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;..."
4. Since you were precious in My sight,
you have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5. FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU..."
God comes to remind Israel who they are and Whose they are...
- they belong to God...
- He created them,
- He formed them..
- He gave them their true identity...
- They are loved by God
- He has delivered and redeemed them
But guess what? God also created us...and as our Creator, He knows us best because He made us, and He's the only One Who can fix us.
When we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He gives us our true identity.
God has called us by name...and He has also called us to be ministers to His people. Not just the preachers, missionaries, teachers...but everyone who is called by His name is called to minister to others. Pastors are only here to help each of us "ministers" do our own ministry, not to do our ministry for us.
Your ministry may be totally different from mine...some are gifted in teaching, others are gifted in helping the needy, or the sick, or the lonely, imprisoned...still others may have a gift in hospitality. Whatever your gift or "ministry" is, take hold of it, claim it, and do it. And remember what God told the Israelites:
"Fear not, for I Am with you..."
Isaiah 43:5
So, the best way to get over the post-Christmas/New Years/January blues is to remember Whose you are... You belong to God. He formed you, He created you, and He has called you by your name. You are His......and you are precious in His sight...and He loves you...He will give men for you...Yes, He actually gave His Son for you, Jesus Christ...to redeem you and give you hope and eternal life!
Now that is something worth getting up and shouting about!!! No need to cancel January!!
Sermon Notes from FUMC Interlachen, FL., Pastor A.C. Myers, 1/13/2019
Please Note : I want to repeat this disclaimer here...the notes, outline, and content included here are based upon my own personal understanding of the message that was being given. I am not attempting to completely quote or reproduce this message or any other message I've shared previously. Just as each person reading these notes may glean insights and thoughts that seem to directly apply to one's own situation and interpretation, my own delivery of these messages is skewed by my hearing and translation of what is being said. Some may read my notes here and wonder if they were hearing the same message as I...and I say, God speaks to each of us as He wills...there are things He is trying to get across to each individual that may be entirely different than what the person sitting next to you in the pew is needing to hear... That is how the Holy Spirit works! He knows what we need to hear and how to apply it to our hearts. So it is with that understanding that I present these sermon notes to you.
Yes, Pamela, no need to cancel January, especially after reading the marvelous encouragement you've written here. That passage from Isaiah is so powerful; verse 43:2 was the banner verse at this past year's VBS, so it is truly written on my heart. Virginia and I still listen to and sing along with all the songs on the CD she was given. What joy that music gives us!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Your encouraging post brought to mind how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to go through the fiery furnace, but the only things that were destroyed were the ropes that bound them.
ReplyDeleteYour encouraging post brought to mind how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to go through the fiery furnace, but the only things that were destroyed were the ropes that bound them.
ReplyDeletePamela: I wish to share this with a friend. We talk about people doing ministry often. I thank you for your messages.
ReplyDeleteI love this Pam. Yes, He created us so therefore He is the only one that fix us! AMEN! And believe me girl...NOBODY else would want to try and fix me! Praise the Lord He loves me enough to do the fixing and be patient. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteWonderful message today...He is so good to us. His Word is so full of His love for us.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 43 is one of my very most favorite parts of Scripture! Redemption indeed!
ReplyDeleteYour notes are always insightful, interpreted so well, and I am always lifted up by your words and your photos. Thanks, Pam!
ReplyDeleteAfter all the hype and empty calories that come with the joys of Christmas yes, I often feel a let-down during the month of January. It's become a pattern with me and I see it as a necessary event that just comes with the ebb and flow of life. We all run in cycles. Those down times are often how we feel when our body/mind/spirit needs rest from [whatever]. If we cooperate with the cycles of our life, doing what is the most helpful (which is not always the most fun), we can get through it and more on to happier days. At least, that's how it works with me. But it's taken me decades to figure t his out!
ReplyDeletePam, I appreciate how you share your sermon notes. It's comforting to know, to be reminded that God has me in His grasp even during the trials of this life.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!