Any Old Stick Will Do

TEXT: Exodus 4: 1-5

TOPIC: ANY OLD STICK WILL DO!

Bobby Earls, First Baptist Church, Icard, NC

October 14, 2001 BIBLE SURVIVOR SERIES – Message 6

(A sermon by Dr. James Merritt)

INTRODUCTION

1. Charles Killian, professor at Asbury Theological Seminary spent years and years wrestling to understand God's unconditional love.

2. Many nights, when he was young, he cried himself to bed, apologizing for failing to measure up to God's standards. He was raised in a godly, but strict home, attended church twice on Sunday, and once during the week, and often went forward when the altar call was given.

3. One day, however, he heard an evangelist preach a powerful message that we were the ones who nailed Christ to the cross. That image stuck in his mind, and that evening, he cried himself to sleep, apologizing to God for killing His Son.

4. As a result, for the next thirty years, he labored under perfectionism, practiced spiritual disciplines rigorously, and served God faithfully as a seminary professor.

5. One time during a difficult period in his life, he struggled with the fact of why God wanted to use him. Not only did he feel undeserving of the love of God, but unworthy of service to God.

6. Finally, he came home one day and found that his wife had tried to help him see the meaning of grace. She had tied some yellow ribbons that were usually tied around the tree, to the family coat rack.

7. When Dr. Killian walked through the front door he saw the coat rack standing in the middle of the hallway with a note attached to the tree, which moved him, "So what if it's not a real oak tree. Any old tree will do. I love you!" (1)

8. Someone has well said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve, you don't have to make your subject and verb to agree, you don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve."

9. "You don't have to know Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity' to serve, you don't have to know the Second Theory of Thermodynamics and Physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, and a soul generated by love!" (2)

10. As we come to Exodus 4, we find Moses wrestling with this same issue. In fact, he is trying his best to get out of what God wants him to do.

11. Some have referred to Exodus 4 as 'Moses 5 Points of Complaintism!' He excuses himself to God by saying, 'Who Am I,' 'Who Are You,' What if they don't believe me?' 'I am not eloquent,' and finally, 'Please send somebody else.' It is obvious that he just didn't want to do it.

12. However, what I want us to consider today is that which is in Moses' hand when he meets God in chapter 4. It may just appear to be an ordinary stick, but God uses it to show us that "Any Old Stick Will Do!" Briefly, let's consider 3 truths about this stick.

Notice:

1. THE INSTRUMENT THAT RENDERED GOD'S PURPOSE

1. As we are introduced to Exodus 4 we are immediately introduced to this rod. However, the rod is the instrument that rendered God's purpose. In fact, notice:

A. WHAT THE ROD SYMBOLIZED

1. Notice verse 2. "And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod."

2. In order to understand the importance of this instrument, we must see what the rod symbolized.

3. The word 'rod' is a word that is rendered by the use of several Hebrew words, and one Greek word.

4. It was something that was used to symbolize several different things in Scripture.

5. For example, in Psalm 2: 9, it is known as the Rod of Power. "Thou shalt break them with a rod iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

6. In Psalm 23: 4, it is known as the Rod of Protection. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

7. In Proverbs 10: 13 it is known as the Rod of Purpose. "In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding."

8. In Proverbs 13: 24 it is known as the Rod of Punishment. "He that spareth the rod hateth his son."

9. In Proverbs 29: 15 it is known as the Rod of Productivity. "The rod and reproof give wisdom."

10. And, in Ezekiel 20: 37 it is known as the Rod of Peace. "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant."

11. The idea here is of a custom among shepherds who let the sheep pass under their shepherd's rod for the purpose of counting them and seeing whether they were in good condition or not.

12. It was a picture of power, protection, purpose, punishment, productivity, and peace. That is What the Rod Symbolized!

B. WHAT THE ROD SUGGESTED

1. Again, notice verse 2. "And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod."

2. You see while this rod symbolized many things, it only suggested one thing. It suggested what man could do by his own, for his own, and on his own.

3. In the case of Moses' rod, it was a shepherd's staff. It was used as an instrument in his occupation. It suggested what Moses could do in, and of himself.

4. You remember that later God commanded Moses to take twelve rods from the tribal princes of Israel and to write upon each the name of the tribe.

5. The rods were then to be taken and laid in the Tabernacle before the Ark of the Covenant; and there the rod of the man whom Jehovah chose would put forth shoots.

6. However, this rod in the hand of Moses suggested what he was able to do in his own ability. It suggested how he had used it to provide a living for his home.

7. It suggested his means, manner, and method. It was a physical object that served in a physical occupation.

8. It suggested anything in his life that he deemed of value. It suggested anything that he deemed of virtue.

9. It suggested anything that he deemed important. It suggested anything that he deemed influential. It suggested anything in his life that might offer a reluctance to turn loose of.

10. However, since none of us are shepherds, this rod suggests some things for us as well.

11. It may suggest a job, a career, a relationship, a reputation, a stock market portfolio, a vacation, or a dream of future prosperity.

12. Whatever the case may be, it suggests something that we deemed important, influential, of value, and of virtue. It is anything of which we might have a reluctance to turn loose of.

13. What the Rod Symbolized, and What the Rod Suggested depicts The Instrument that Rendered God's Purpose!

1. THE INSTRUMENT THAT RENDERED GOD'S PURPOSE

2. THE INVOLVEMENT THAT REQUIRED GOD'S PROPHET

1. As we come to verse 3, we not only see the instrument that regarded God's purpose, but the involvement that required God's prophet. There is something that Moses must do with this rod. In fact notice that:

A. HE IS ORDERED TO THROW IT DOWN

1. Notice verse 3. "And he said, Cast it on the ground."

2. Once Moses acknowledges the fact as to what this rod symbolized, and suggested he is required to do something with it. He is ordered to throw it down.

3. I think of former Oregon U. S. Senator Mark Hatfield. He had served many, many years in the Senate, yet had struggled with the true purpose of life.

4. One night in 1954, while sitting in his parent's home he concluded that his life was no longer his own. All of his accomplishments, achievements, and awards no longer did he have a right to claim.

5. He said that he came to the conclusion that "Either Christ was God and Savior and Lord or he wasn't. If he was, then he has the right to have all of my time, all of my devotion, and all of my life."

6. He went to say, "I could not continue to drift along going to church because I had always gone. I saw that for 31 years I had lived for self, and I decided to throw it all down, and live the rest of my life for the One who had the rightful claim to me!" (3)

7. Again, here is a rod that suggested anything of importance and influence. Here is a rod that suggested anything of value and virtue. It suggested what Moses could do in, and of himself.

8. However, God commands him to throw it down. He is to discard it. He is to deny it. And, he is to denounce it.

9. Yet, there are some today who hold the rod of prestige, power, popularity, possessions, and plenty. But, God says today, 'Throw it Down!'

10. Perhaps you're holding something in your hand that you deem vital, virtuous, and valuable. Perhaps it is something of influence and importance.

11. Yet, God still says, 'Throw it Down!' It matters not what it is, or how important it may be to you. If you want God to use it, then it must be Thrown Down!

B. HE IS ORDERED TO TURN IT LOOSE

1. Notice, again, verse 3. "And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent and Moses fled from before it."

2. Again, keep in mind what this rod symbolized. It symbolized power, protection, purpose, punishment, productivity, and peace.

3. Keep in mind what this rod suggested. It suggested anything of importance and influence. It suggested anything of virtue or value.

4. However, Moses is ordered not only to throw it down, but to turn it loose. There is no room for discussion, debate, or deliberation. He must throw it down, then turn it loose.

5. The word 'cast' that is used is a word that implies many things. However, the word, in one sense, depicts something being thrown out, and then released as to turn loose of it. It speaks of a complete and total release of something.

6. Notice what the rod became when it did turn it loose. "It became a serpent, and Moses fled from before it."

7. It was now revealed for what it really was. As long as it was in the hand of Moses it was the rod of a serpent that cried out 'SSSSSSSSS.'

8. It was the rod of 'Sssss---elf.' It was the rod of 'Sssss---sin.' It was the rod of 'Sssss-elfishness.'

9. It was the rod of 'Sssss-elf esteem,' 'Sssss-elf will,' and 'Sssss-elf ego.'

10. It was the rod of 'Sssss---ignificance.' It was the rod of 'Sssss-edition.' And, it was the rod of 'Sssss-eduction.'

11. However, in order for God to be able to use it, Moses must throw it down, and then turn it loose.

12. I think of the year 1862, and the beginning of the Civil War. There were two primary strongholds, Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, and Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River. Both were in the hands of the Confederates.

13. It was the design of the Unionists to drive the Confederates from Kentucky and Tennessee, and to do this they must capture these two forts.

14. Accordingly, an army under General Ulysses S. Grant, and a fleet of gunboats commanded by Commodore Foote, proceeded against the forts.

15. The boats went against Fort Henry and captured it. But the next task was more difficult to accomplish. Fort Donelson was strongly protected. But after a contest of four days the Confederates, hoisting a white flag asked the terms of surrender.

16. General Grant informed them that 'No terms other than an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.' This answer gave him the title of 'Unconditional Surrender' Grant. And, the fort surrendered! (4)

17. Yet, there is a far greater General today who says as well that 'No terms other than an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.'

18. You may hold in your hand something that you deem of great value and virtue. It may be something of influence and importance to you.

19. Yet, God says if you want me to use, then throw it down, and turn it loose. That is The Involvement that is Required of God's Prophet, and God's people!

1. THE INSTRUMENT THAT RENDERED GOD'S PURPOSE

2. THE INVOLVEMENT THAT REQUIRED GOD'S PROPHET

3. THE INTENTION THAT REVEALED GOD'S POWER

1. Notice verse 4 and 5. While there was an instrument that regarded God's purpose, and an involvement that required God's prophet, there was an intention, through all of this, that revealed God's power.

2. In fact, the intention is two-fold. One:

A. THERE IS TO BE A HOLY APPRECIATION FOR GOD

1. Notice verse 4. "And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand."

2. Again, here is a rod that symbolized power, protection, purpose, punishment, productivity, and peace.

3. Here is a rod that suggested anything in Moses' life that he deemed of value and virtue, importance and influence.

4. Thus, he is commanded to throw it down, and turn it loose. Once he does, its true characteristics are revealed. It is the rod of a 'Sssss-erpent.'

5. However, God tells him to pick it up again, not by the throat, but by the tail. When he did, something marvelous, mysterious, and miraculous happened. It once again became a rod. Why did God do this? 6. Notice verse

6. "That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob hath appeared unto thee."

7. God turned a devilish rod into a divine rod. He turned a rod of a serpent into a rod for the Savior. He turned a rod in the hand of man, into a rod in the hand of God.

8. Hence, it was done so that there would be a holy appreciation for Him. So that it would be known that it was God who did it, and no one else.

9. Do you realize today that God wants the rod in your hand? Do you realize that He wants you to throw it down and turn it loose? 1

10. Do you realize that He desires it from you so that He can make it into what He wants it to be, and do it such a fashion that no one else could take the credit for it? Oh yes, what He does with old sticks, and rods ought to produce a Holy Appreciation for Him!

B. THERE IS TO BE A HEIGHTENED AWARENESS OF GOD

1. Notice again verse 5. Why did He do it this way? "That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, HATH APPEARED UNTO THEE."

2. This was not only to produce a holy appreciation for Him, but a heightened awareness of Him.

3. In fact, notice what God did with that rod. Later in chapter 4, God tells Moses to leave Midian and return to Egypt.

4. However, in verse 20, it is no longer Moses' rod, but he "took the ROD OF GOD in his hand."

5. In Exodus 7:9 God tells Moses to "Take thy ROD, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent."

6. In verse 12, we're told that when the magicians cast down their rods to match it that "Aaron's ROD swallowed up their rods."

7. In Exodus 14:16, the children face their greatest obstacle to date. There is an army host behind, trouble beside them, and a great body of water in front of them.

8. But, God tells Moses, "But lift up thy ROD and stretch out thine hand over the sea and divide it." He did, and the waters pulled back, and congealed like Jell-O.

9. In Exodus 17 they come to Rephidim, and there was no water to drink. Again, the Lord said unto Moses, "take with thee thy ROD, wherewith thou smotest the river, and go."

10. Then came Amalek. But, Moses told Joshua to hand pick his army, and said, "I will stand on the top of the hill with the ROD OF GOD in mine hand."

11. Thus, God took an ordinary rod, just any old stick, and swallowed Pharoah's rods, parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock, and defeated the Amalekites. It was done to bring a heightened awareness of Himself.

12. Yet, he is still in the business of taking just any old stick, and if thrown down and turned loose, He'll turn it from a rod in the hand of man, to a rod in the hand of God. And, do with it what only He can do.

13. Hence He'll do it to bring about a Holy Appreciation of Himself, and a Heightened Awareness for Himself. That little old stick revealed the Intention of His divine Power!

14. I don't know of anyone who God has used any greater than the great foreign missionary J. Hudson Taylor. The founder of the China Inland Mission, Taylor was mightily used of God to reach thousands of Chinese with the gospel. However, there was a time, during his early years, when Taylor wrestled to know the will of God for his life.

15. He had done something very unusual in his bedroom. He had cut out some letters, and pasted them on his wall. Those letters spelled out the words, "Let God!"

16.One day, He went to see an elderly Pastor to gain some advice. He was extremely frustrated in not knowing the will of God for his life, and sought the counsel of the aged preacher. The preacher looked at Hudson Taylor, and said, "Son, you must let go. You must let go, and let God do whatever He wants to do in your life." Hudson Taylor looked to the aged preacher, and said, "I want to let go, but it just seems that I can't let go." He went his way, and he returned home.

17. When he got back to his room, Hudson Taylor got on his knees, and tried to pour out his soul to God. He wrestled, begged, and pleaded with God, but after 20 minutes He was so frustrated that he got up, ran out, and slammed the door behind him.

18. When he did that, because of the impact of that door, one of those letters, the letter 'D', became loose, and fell. Some time later, when Hudson Taylor came back to his room, he noticed what had happened. He looked, and saw that what once said, 'Let God,' now said "LET GO!" Hudson Taylor threw himself on his bed, and he said that that day He decided to let go, and let God do with his life whatever He wanted to do!

19. What do you have in your hand today? What kind of rod are you holding on to?

20. Is it something that you deem influential and important? Is it something that you deem of value and virtue? Do you want God to use it?

21. Then, throw it down, and turn it loose. That was The Instrument that Rendered God's Purpose, The Involvement that Required God's Prophet, and The Intention that Revealed God's Power.

22. You say, 'Preacher, I don't have much to offer!' Maybe not, but "Any Old Stick Will Do," if you'll just let Him have it!

Endnotes

1. "Let Go, and Let's Go." Sermon by Victor Yap. Pastor of Riverside Alliance Church. Riverside, California.

2. IBID.

3. Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations. Paul Lee Tan. 1998. pg. 3323.

4. Civil War Happenings & Facts. Thomas Whiting. Crossway. 1991. pg. 76.

5. Knight's Master Book of New Illustrations. Walter B. Knight. Eerdmans. 1956. pg. 402.

FBI Sermon Notes

TOPIC: ANY OLD STICK WILL DO!

TEXT: Exodus 4: 1-5

Bobby Earls, First Baptist Church, Icard, October 14, 2001

BIBLE SURVIVOR SERIES – Message 6

(A sermon from Dr. James Merritt)

1. THE INSTRUMENT THAT RENDERED GOD'S PURPOSE

A. WHAT THE ROD SYMBOLIZED

"And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod." v. 2

· In Psalm 2: 9, it is known as the Rod of Power. "Thou shalt break them with a rod iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

· In Psalm 23: 4, it is known as the Rod of Protection. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

· In Proverbs 10: 13 it is known as the Rod of Purpose. "In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding."

· In Proverbs 13: 24 it is known as the Rod of Punishment. "He that spareth the rod hateth his son."

· In Proverbs 29: 15 it is known as the Rod of Productivity. "The rod and reproof give wisdom."

· In Ezekiel 20: 37 it is known as the Rod of Peace. "And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant."

B. WHAT THE ROD SUGGESTED

"And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod." v. 2

2. THE INVOLVEMENT THAT REQUIRED GOD'S PROPHET

A. HE IS ORDERED TO THROW IT DOWN

"And he said, Cast it on the ground." v. 3

B. HE IS ORDERED TO TURN IT LOOSE

"And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent and Moses fled from before it. "v. 3

3. THE INTENTION THAT REVEALED GOD'S POWER

A. THERE IS TO BE A HOLY APPRECIATION FOR GOD

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand." v. 4

That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob hath appeared unto thee." v.5

B. THERE IS TO BE A HEIGHTENED AWARENESS OF GOD

"That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, HATH APPEARED UNTO THEE." v. 5