Turn and move while you can pt 1

Introduction

I read the story the other day, of how a long time ago a farm boy fell in love with a girl. They were sweethearts for a long time, but the girl's paw always disagreed. After years of pestering her paw, he gave him a chance to marry her. You see, they were both farmers, and well acquainted with bulls. Sitting on the fence post, the dad points at the bulls coming towards them, He tells them, “Alright now, I tell ya what, you go and you grab the tail of any of them bulls and i’ll let you marry my daughter today.” Happy about this, the young man let the bulls come to him, the first one looked a little big and mean so he didn’t give it a go. The second one was smaller, but he didn’t try that one either because he saw how small the non-mean looking 3rd one looked. So, He lets the 3rd one come by, only to be dismayed to realize that this bull had no tail! He had missed his chance. If he had taken the chance when he could have, it would have been no problem. A missed opportunity. He could have gotten on board, but now things were going to be much harder for him if he wanted to mary her then would have been if he would have just taken action. Believer, God calls us into action, and invites us into His plan, and often we have the choice of the easy way (His way) or the hard way (our way, that we don't get but try to pursue, get upset about, and have to endure a hard lesson about). Let us all be quick to turn and move while we can to whatever it is that God has for us.

Prayer

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can be more like You, and made more into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all too often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possibly can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. I ask these things for your glory and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.

Context

Now, we move into the second half of The Gospel (the Good News) according to John, known as the book of glory. From here, we see a stop of the signs and wonders that Jesus performs and the large public teachings. Now, we start to see something else. Now we see his teachings being to smaller crowds, particularly His close disciples, preparing them for the rough times to come, and we see His march the cross begin.

In chapter 11, Jesus performed His last huge miracle during His earthly ministry. This was His raising, His resurrecting of His friend Lazarus, who had been dead and in his tomb for 4 days when Jesus arrived. This wasn’t done quietly. It was done with a lot of onlookers, who would have seen what happened and went out and told many others about what happened, what they had seen this teacher, this rabbi, this Jesus do! From this miracle, many believed, however many also came in with hardened hearts, ready to deny Him and bring an end to Him in any way in which they could, so they went and reported to group of religious teachers/rulers known as the Pharisees what had happened, and from here they conspired to kill Jesus and Lazarus, as they saw both of them as threat.

For Jesus, time on earth, now time was drawing short, and in today’s text we see Him teaching a lesson that remains always true for any human and any follower of Christ. This is that There is limited time to get in with God’s plan. As the Psalmist wrote, our life is short, like a vapor, it is here and then gone. Though we may think our lives are long, they really aren’t, and they are filled with all kinds of perils to either distract us from our need for a savior, or to get us off track and not on mission with God. So, we all only have so long to be good and honoring disciples of the Lord Jesus, which should be every redeemed person’s highest endeavor. So, let’s jump in and see some of the truths that Jesus taught us in these final days of His earthly life. Lets jump in and From today’s text, I want you to see, understand, and act upon these truths that Jesus showed us.

Message

The first truth to see, understand and act upon is that: You do not have forever 1-11

12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus[a] was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4 Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii[b] and given to the poor?” 6 He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.7 Jesus answered, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”9 Then a large crowd of the Jews learned he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, the one he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests had decided to kill Lazarus also, 11 because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them[c] and believing in Jesus.

At the house of His friends (Mary, Martha, and Lazarus) Jesus and His disciples were enjoying fellowship and hospitality when the teacher was given a great honor. Mary, being so thankful for everything Jesus had done for her and her family couldn’t help but do a huge act of honor, anointing Him with a very expensive perfume, that would have been worth at least years wages, even going so far putting it on His feet and using her own hair to wipe and put it on Him. Meanwhile, Judas the betrayer, seeing the honoring of Jesus as a waste, was indignant at this display of love and cherishing of Jesus, using the excuse of good mercy ministry to hide his own greed and want. Jesus rebuked Judas here, telling him that this showing was kept for a special occasion, of which it was now time. This was given to anoint my body for burial, which is coming soon. You will always have the poor and good deeds to do you among, but as for me while alive, you only have me for a short while longer. You do not have as long with as you would suppose left. Meanwhile, a crowd learned where Jesus was, and wanted to see Him and Lazarus as proof, which of course would have only angered the chief priests even more, so they openly planned to have the 2 of them killed. At this open and public knowledge, many of the people that had been following and believing Jesus, departed and left their belief out of fear.

Many of you know, in my former occupation, I was a banker. And several times a year, I would come across a very sad and very serious situation. Whether it was sudden and unexpected or known and a long time coming, I am talking about the family that didn’t make the legal and financial arrangements that were needed after a person’s death. In tears, I would see widdows and widdowers and children and grandchildren say something along these lines, “I know we should have planned and done it, but we didn’t, we ignored it because it was too scary.” The truth was, in almost every situation this put some loved one in a very serious financial situation, some came close to losing their homes, some didn’t have access to money for months, many couldn’t pay for funeral expenses and had to do so on credit, all of them had this already difficult time much more hard on them then they had to. Of all the situations I experienced, and all the tears like that I saw, 90% of them could have been cured by coming in before the person passed away and signing 2 or 3 sheets of paper together. A simple action right? Well, The truth is, they didn’t want to do it, in their mind they made it too hard, because they didn’t want to face the reality that we all only have so long on this earth. You only have so long to act while on this earth, and your actions (or lack of action) will have effects long after you are gone.

Here me now, even the Lord Jesus made it clear, that His time on earth, His earthly ministry, was limited. Your life, your time on earth is limited. If you are not a follower of Jesus, if you have not trusted Him as your Lord and savior to save you from your sin, let me just say that you don’t have as long as you think and you have nothing to gain from waiting. If you are a follower fo Jesus, let me also say to you, that you also do not have forever here on earth, There is limited time to get in with God’s plan. So then, stop holding onto the sins, vices, and distractions that Satan the enemy has given you. Turn away from while you still can and instead do our next point which is:

The next truth to see, understand and act upon is that: You are to fulfill your mission 12-19

12 The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting:“Hosanna!Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord[d] —the King of Israel!”14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written:15 Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.[e]16 His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.17 Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify.[f] 18 This is also why the crowd met him, because they heard he had done this sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!”

The next day after that, the crowds heard that Jesus was on his way to Jesalem for the festival. So, they grabbed palm branches and waved them to celebrate, seeing Jesus (and He was) as the fulfillment of scripture, singing praises to Him and chanting in essence, “Save us, we pray.” Blessed are you Jesus who comes in the name of the Lord! In His entrance, he came in on a lowly donkey colt, thus fulfilling more scriptural prophecy about Himself. At the time, His followers did not understand the significance of this moment, but after Jesus ascended back to Heaven, they did. So, Jesus headed into the town and the people who saw what had happened to Lazarus continued to tell everyone what had happened, about Jesus and the great things He has done and will do. The Pharisees, of course, were not happy about this, they grumbled amongst themselves out of jealousy and envy, “look, they come to Him and follow Him! What about us!?” Look at all we have done, no one is shouting praises to us, noone is giving such ruckus about us. Hmph. Jesus enters into the city, the city that in a few short days would reach out to kill Him. Jesus knew this would happen, Jesus knew that His mission was to go there, and allow Himself to be taken and killed. This was His mission, to die on the cross and become the payment for the penalty for our sins. He knew His mission, and despite knowing what lay before, He went to it.

Let me ask you something, have you ever had something that just simply didn’t do what it was supposed to do? Like you get a new kitchen appliance or a lamp for your home and it just doesn’t work. What happens? You take it out the box, you start to use it, and after exhausting all options, you realize, this thing is busted, it just doesn’t work. What happens to that thing? Well, hopefully, since you have no use for it, you either return it and get your money back for it, and if you can’t you get rid of it or throw it out (because at this point it costs more to hold onto it is worth).

As a follower of Jesus, you Christian, in the ways that you are able, are to always be on mission, always be on mission for Him. Always playing your part of fulfilling the great commission of making disciples. That is your mission, and fulfilling this mission will mean for each and every one of us that we will have uncomfortable situations we are placed in and decisions to make. It means we will have to put our plans, our wants, our desires on hold and the sooner we do this the better. Why? Because There is limited time to get in with God’s plan. Why delay for year something that you should be acting upon now? Why wait another minute to get on mission with God? Do you honestly think your strength will be stronger next year? The truth is, their is no time like now. You are to fulfill God’s mission assigned to you, and not let any preference, want, comfort, or sin, get in your way of doing so, as every believer knows, God’s glory and His mission is much more important than any of our flesh’s desires.

Another truth to see, understand and act upon is that You are to be a fruit bearer 20-36

20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.23 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”[g] Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 As for me, if I am lifted up[h] from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die. 34 Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

Jesus’ message had become so powerful and believed, that even some of the outsiders heard it and believed, some of the Greeks, came and asked to see Jesus. Jesus gives His followers a serious message here, that His time was coming to an end. That the time for Him to bear the fruit that would come from His death was at hand, just as wheat plants must die to bear new, so He must do. So the person who truly loves life, will give up their life (in sin) and reject the sin and wants of this world and instead serve and follow me. If you serve me, you must follow me and do as I say/teach/command and if you do this, the Father will honor you. Knowing what is ahead of me brothers, I am very troubled at this moment, I'm nervous and anguished knowing what I know! Even now, my heart's desire is to glorify the Father. Then, God speaks out audibly for the crowd to hear! Some knew what it was, others did not. Jesus tells them, the time has come for you all to make your decision before I leave, there is still time Israel! The people then, were confused about His teaching, and asked Him questions, Jesus tells them plainly, you have been mistaken. The light of the world (I) will be with you only a little bit longer, walk only in the light and do not let the darkness of sin overtake you, and become children of light. Become children of God. Then, Jesus hid from all of them.

Has anyone in the room every had fruit trees? So, let me ask you something about a fruit tree. What does it mean if it isn’t bearing fruit? Well, there are a few things, but simply put, there is 2 things, 1, it still to young/too small (which is only for a very short time in any fruit tree’s life) and 2, something is wrong. Either it isn’t getting the right amount of sun, it doesn’t have nutrients/fertilizer it needs, it has a disease or doesn’t have another plant like it around it to pollinate itself with to make the fruit. In all of these situations, the tree cannot bear fruit, or if it does it’s very little and far too infrequent. All of these problems can be solved, but action has to be taken to do so. With a little time and effort it can become a healthy tree, with all the nutrients, all the water, who is treated for pests and disease and has a partner near it, will in time bear fruit and bear lots of fruit!

We too, as followers of Jesus, are to bear spiritual and missional fruit. But, we have to be spiritually healthy to do so. This means, as it is with the fruit trees, if you are not bearing spiritual and/or missional fruit that you are unhealthy Christian who needs to take some kind of intentional action (most likely removing some kind of serious sin form your life) you know, the one you are hoping that no one sees, but you are very aware of yourself. So then, do this, and keep doing so, and watch yourself become a more fruitful christian. Here is the thing, There is limited time to get in with God’s plan. And His plan is for you to get on board with Him, get rid of sin, Love God, Love people, and make disciples with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength all to His glory! So then, you are to be a fruit bearer! Ask yourself, where is the fruit! And if you don’t see any or you know there should be more, then do something about it!

Conclusion

Beloved, here me now. No believer, no follower of Jesus is called to delay delay delay. And not look the inevitable in the face, here is the truth we always have in front of us, There is limited time to get in with God’s plan. Look at these examples and truths that The Lord Jesus put on for each of us, He made it clear and sting of death and sin makes it clear, you do not have forever on this planet, you are to fulfill your mission of making disciples of Jesus, you are to be a fruit bearer in the ways that you can all throughout your life, no matter how hard it may seem or how difficult the decision may be. You have nothing to gain by waiting to get on board with God. So then, let go of your pride, let go of your sin of control, and let God be the true king and ruler of every part of your life and heart.

With all of that being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the Gospel (or the Good News) of Jesus Christ with you today, for the benefit of both believer and non-believer in the room. This begins all the way back at the beginning, God created everything, and he created all things good. He gave His most treasured creation (us, mankind) the ability of free will, the ability to choose Him or rebellion. Man was deceived by Satan and desired to be like God and sinned (or rebelled against God). This brought the curse of sin and death into the world and it remains with us to this day; which separates us from God. God, though, loved His creation (mankind) so much that He worked through history to redeem all mankind that would turn to Him from sin so that we can experience a full and perfect relationship with Him again. This was through the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the pay for sins. Accepting this free gift from God, makes you new and forgiven. All you have to do is accept this free gift by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus and you will get to experience the good side of God’s justice forever. So, now that you know this, you can no longer plead ignorance. I invite and urge you to respond today non-believer and apply this to every part of your life believers in the audience today.

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can be more like You, and made more into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all too often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possibly can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.