What is a disciple: Break Generational Curses

Introduction

So far in this series we have covered that disciples do these things. Follow Jesus, count the cost of the work of following Jesus fully, and work together in ministry. This week, I want us to understand what it means to experience and be part of God’s plans to break bondage. Disciples are meant to not simply go along with how things are. Disciples are not meant to just accept things as they are with no hope of change. Disciples are believers in the power of God to deliver his people into a new hope and a new life.

Old Generation

We read two passages today. In the first passage, Numbers 14:1-12, we read how the Israelites refused to move forward into the promised land. We read how they craved the things of their past. They feared their future in the promised land. They did not believe God was interceding for them. They had wandered in the desert. They remained a stick necked people who complained. They only looked at what was wrong. They looked at their past with longing to go back or remain in that life.

Despite seeing the powerful miracles of God, they wanted to rely instead on their old life they knew. Some bible scholars say that this points out that while they may have physically left Egypt, mentally and spiritually, they never did really leave Egypt. For their refusal to listen and follow God’s ways, they were not taken into the promised land. For going against God’s plans or rebelling against God’s will, they lost the opportunity to enter the promised land.

Next Generation

God raised up a new generation in the wilderness. They were raised up being taught God’s ways, not Egypt’s ways. This generation did not experience Egypt and had to depend on God in the wilderness. There was only one Master for them. There was only one God for them. God is the one who led them through the wilderness their whole lives. God is the only influence on them. God is the only guide for them.

The wilderness is all they knew. When they were offered the promised land there was no doubt in their minds. God has brought us this far and will fulfill his promises like every other time in the wilderness. Whether it was food, water or deliverance from an enemy, God was true to his promises. The promised land was a better place than the wilderness where they had grown up. The promised land was the chance at a new life where they could stay in one place instead of wandering. The promised land was the land of plenty where food, water, and prosperity were in abundance. The promised land was the place of God’s promise being fulfilled.

God marked them as his people once again as they were circumcised. God washed away the shame and guilt of the past. God broke that generational curse. They were not stuck in the wilderness any more. They were not stuck doubting God’s integrity.

Side bar note

I find it interesting that in other religions of the ancient world, the gods were mischievous, or they mirrored humanity’s brokenness where they were not to be trusted because their was dysfunction amongst them and may be plotting against you or each other. While they were labeled gods, they are not like God at all.

God is God and these others mirrored the power structures of humanity where they were not after humanity’s redemption or making things better. They had their own selfish ideals and ways. I will admit this is an oversimplification of all other ancient religions but I think you understand my point in that this generation of Israelites did not grow up being influenced with those other gods and the uncertainty of following them.

This Church - Two Generations

So where does that leave Asbury? For the seven years I have been here, I have seen plenty of people pass into eternity. I have heard of the past where this church was growing and thriving. I have heard of people in the past working together and church came together in mission and purpose. I have heard the longing for things to be the way they used to be.

I have heard people share many stories of this church and its past. There was a generation in the past that ran this church with purpose. There was a generation that ran the church in the way they saw fit to run it. They did what they saw as the right thing to do.

I have also heard other stories where others struggled to find a voice or find their place after becoming and adult because they were not seen as capable or they wanted to do something different. Some of that generation has persevered and others have checked out of church or given up on being the generation leading the church. This second generation has struggled to find their footing without being challenged or corrected for not doing it the old way.

A statement was made that even as the next generation began to take over the work of the church, the same issue of things have to be a certain way only crept up again. The frustration of the younger generation was being imposed on the generation below them. In other words, the children of the grandparents were frustrated because they were not able to lead and do things the way they wanted to because they were corrected if they did something different or not approved. The grandchildren today experienced the same challenge of not being able to find a place because the same thing was being done to them. This is what was meant when the statement was made about a generational curse being upon us. This meant that only one generation was allowed to control the work and worship of the church which frustrated each generation.

All generations seek what they feel is best for the church yet those visions are often different. It has been approximately 3-4 years ago now a change started to take shape. A statement was made by the older generation that it was time for the next generation and that they are willing to try new things as long as they are helped with those changes. Fast forward to a year ago, worship was changed. There is a blending now of older and newer traditions that come into the worship service. There are changes in the technology we use to reach others, to make the words of the songs on the screens readable. Steps are being taken steadily to find solid footing to reach all generations. There has been unity in finding this footing. While there have been some discomfort with change, overall, it is working and we are once again finding our solid ground.

What is next - Finding Purpose for all

While worship is finding stability and solid ground, we still have work as a church to do in other areas. We have plenty of people outside those who plan and help with worship. I asked again last week to find your spiritual gifts, to discuss those gifts, to ask about those gifts, to ask for help finding your gifts. I ask this and reiterated that it is hard to move forward without knowing the gifts you are working with. These gifts help you find your way into serving in ways you might not have considered.

It takes dedication to church and the work ahead of us. Each generation has purpose in God’s kingdom. Each of us were created to serve God. Each of us given gifts that help us serve that purpose.

Last week someone asked me about their gift as they were surprised. They asked me what the gift of healing is for. While we traditionally equate this gift to supernatural physical healings, that is not all this gift is meant for. The following is from the umc.org website where it gives brief summaries about each gift in the spiritual gifts test I referred you to last week.

https://www.umc.org/en/content/spiritual-gifts-healing

“The gift of healing is not about transferring spiritual power to eliminate suffering and disease, but the ability to channel God’s grace and healing love to those who suffer physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. Healers are moved to be present with those who suffer. Healers pray for those who suffer, visit those who are ill, and are usually moved to extend a hand of comfort and touch to those who are afflicted. Healers give their time and energy to offering aid and comfort to others.”

Just as a reminder, umcdiscipleship.org has a spiritual gifts test. I have also put a link on the church’s website. Go to the asburyumctn.org website to take the test today. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

As we close up today, I want to remind you that as we delve into following Jesus as his disciples, there are expectations we must live up to. We must accept changes will happen from generation to generation. We must also accept we each have a purpose and role in this church. By using our spiritual gifts, you were see this church find solid ground which to reach others in making disciples of Jesus Christ and fulfilling the mission Jesus gave his disciples. If we don’t take serious our calling then we risk becoming that cursed generation that withers away in the wilderness and does not get to see God’s deliverance into the promised land., or the future hope of this church.