Behold The King: What’s Your Why For Gathering?
Notes
Transcript
And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
In this episode we have two fractions contending for their faith.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
In this morning’s episode, we are going to learn the major differences between both sides! I know you are ready to learn this morning from the life of our Great King!
We already know which side wins right?!
Possession or Passion?
Possession or Passion?
“Their synagogue”
The problem: A false sense of possession.
The Solution: Transfer of ownership, Identification of reality, Jesus is Lord
Our Part: There is a difference between responsibility and ownership.
When you join a church we often hear “take ownership” of an area. This is meant as an illustration to take responsibility for what God has called you to steward. Truthfully you are a member of the church but the church belongs to Christ.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
The Pharisees acted like they possessed the meeting place
the doctrine of the congregation.
the interpretation of the O.T.
the moral high ground.
They tried to be the Lord over the King of kings.
Our three girls constantly fight over things that are not theirs. One of the most common areas they squabble over is which seat of the car they are going to sit in.
I have read several advice colonms and books about this situation. Some suggest dividing up the seats among them and make this “their seat.”
Some say just let them figure it out creatively amongst themselves.
We have come up with a middle ground. The first one to the car picks their seat! Fight it out girls! Contend for your seat!
When we give our best for Jesus it is out of passion not protection of possession.
Give our best attitude
Give our best effort
Give our best mental aptitude
Give our best singing voice
Give our best attention
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
We can do these with the spirit of this is “ours” or with the spirit of “We are His!”
Protecting is Christ’s Job.
Conflict or Conversion?
Conflict or Conversion?
Jesus does not turn away from the conflict, but uses the moment to direct everyone’s attention to God’s value structure and omnipotence.
Jesus applies the moral ethical question to every person that had gathered on the Sabbath day. Would any of them not do something to save a sheep, either out of compassion for the animal or because of the money they spent and would glean from the animals continued existence?
If they valued the life of a sheep over the life of a man, their value structure is not inlined with God’s. A man is more valuable than any animal.
In Seattle, a woman with two dogs and a cat called the pet license office for information. She explained that she was considering marrying a man with two cats and a dog. They didn't want to give up any of their beloved pets, so she asked if they could have the animals under separate ownerships to avoid getting a kennel license. The official informed her that since all six animals would be living together, a kennel license would be required. Disappointed, the woman exclaimed, "You have just stopped a wonderful marriage!" and hung up abruptly. This amusing situation reminds us to value people over animals, even though our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts.
There is no effort given in healing the man with the withered hand. Yet these Pharisees most likely would lift a sheep as heavy as 350 lbs in order to save their investment.
Think about how valuable we are to God, that he might plan before creating you to redeem you through the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of His Son.
The Pharisees were masters at finding or causing conflict. Jesus was a master at using the conflict to bring about conversions.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Rationalization or Justification?
Rationalization or Justification?
When we are faced with God’s miraculous work we might be determined to prove him wrong in order to claim that we are right. Or we can humble ourselves and join His miraculous work!
We can stick with our tradition and say “this is the way we’ve always done it and will always do it!” and ignore God showing us How He has always done it and will always do it. Beyond our comprehension.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 6947 Lindbergh on Truth
In my youth, science was more important to me than either man or God. I worshipped science. Its advance had surpassed man’s wildest dreams. It took many years for me to discover that science, with all its brilliance, lights only a middle chapter of creation.
I saw the aircraft I love destroying the civilization I expected it to save. Now I understand that spiritual truth is more essential to a nation than the mortar in its cities’ walls. For when the actions of a people are undergirded by spiritual truths, there is safety. When spiritual truths are rejected, it is only a matter of time before civilization will collapse.
We must understand spiritual truths and apply them to our modern life. We must draw strength from the almost forgotten virtues of simplicity, humility, contemplation and prayer. It requires a dedication beyond science, beyond self, but the rewards are great and it is our only hope.
—Charles Lindbergh
Conclusion: Jesus gathered to bring Glory to His Father, Live out the Gospel, Help people on their Faithway Journey. This was His why.