Little Pieces and the Big Picture
Faith That Works • Sermon • Submitted
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· 1 viewWe must deal with the pieces but cannot forget the big picture.
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We are guided today by the words of that great theologian who said, “Leroy looked like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.”
For the past few meetings, we have been preoccupied with the little pieces of the puzzle and rightfully so. The danger is in doing so we lose sight of the big picture. It is only in the big picture that we are able to avoid falling into despair over the pieces.
James brings us back to the big picture.
7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil, being patient concerning it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You also be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Brothers, do not complain against one another, in order that you may not be judged. Behold, the judge stands before the doors!
James had just dealt with the little pieces, the oppression of the working class by the wealthy. He reminded his hearers, and us, we must deal with the little pieces but not lose sight of the big picture.
The big picture is this is not all there is.
The big picture is this is not all there is.
We can keep dealing with the pieces because Jesus IS coming back.
We can keep dealing with the pieces because Jesus IS coming back.
Patience is perseverance which in the language of my generation before we became the establishment, “Keep on trucking.”
Patience is perseverance which in the language of my generation before we became the establishment, “Keep on trucking.”
James supplies us an illustration to underscore the point.
James supplies us an illustration to underscore the point.
The big picture is the harvest, but the farmer has to wait for it.
The big picture is the harvest, but the farmer has to wait for it.
Part of his waiting is for things beyond his control.
Part of his waiting is for things beyond his control.
Then, as now, the waiting can be marked with difficulties.
Then, as now, the waiting can be marked with difficulties.
But waiting isn’t the same as inactivity; there is work (little pieces) to be done.
But waiting isn’t the same as inactivity; there is work (little pieces) to be done.
In light of the big picture...
In light of the big picture...
We must still deal with the little pieces.
We must still deal with the little pieces.
We must not give in to despair. (Strengthen your hearts.)
We must not give in to despair. (Strengthen your hearts.)
We must not blame one another or grow short with one another.
We must not blame one another or grow short with one another.
We will return, we must return, to dealing with the little pieces in the days ahead. But we cannot lose sight of the big picture lest we suffer the fate of the sad, aforementioned Leroy Brown.