The Irredeemable Weed

The Dandelion Effect-Week 2

“The Irredeemable Weed”

(All Scriptures are in NLT)

Recap of Week 1

This week

The conversion of Saul

Acts 9:1-2

“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.”

Saul was the last person in the world anyone would have picked to be of use to God’s Kingdom

But God sees things differently

“The Way”

Importance of Damascus

How could God use a weed like Saul?

Weed: “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants”

Dandelions could be seen as a flower, herb, or a weed

The label all depends on context and our own perspective.

Acts 9:3-9

“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.”

1. God is the ultimate gardener.

He tends his garden

He watches out for His plants

Nothing happens without Him being aware

Like any good gardener, He knows which plants belong and which bring harm.

He will not allow things to harm His church for long.

Isaiah 54:16-17

“I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. 17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

2. God desires others to join in the tending of His garden.

Acts 9:10-19

“Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord!’ he replied. 11 The Lord said, ‘Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.’ 13 ‘But Lord,’ exclaimed Ananias, ‘I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.’ 15 But the Lord said, ‘Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.’ 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.”

3. It’s hard to shake your past, but God wants to use you right now!

Acts 9:19-25

“Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is indeed the Son of God!’ 21 All who heard him were amazed. ‘Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?’ they asked. ‘And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?’ 22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.”

4. Even if others only see a weed, God knows the heart.

Acts 9:26-30

“ When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.”

Saul would have been overlooked

Dandelions are overlooked, because they are seen as weeds

All the “hidden” uses of a dandelion

You can eat it

Well known medicinal uses for centuries

Can help with liver issues, diabetes, gallbladder support, anti-inflammatory effects, bone health, immune system boost

Usually the first flowers for pollinators

Natural pest control

1 Samuel 16:7

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Who have you counted out?

Who has been labeled as “too far gone for God to use”?

Who is the irredeemable weed in your life that you should be praying for?