Luke 1:26-38 – Listen!

Luke 1:26-38 – Listen!

By Pastor Lee Hemen

December 4, 2022

One of my least favorite Christmas songs is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Sorry if it is one of your favorites, but I’ve never liked it that much except for the last verse when the King commands, “Listen to what I say! Pray for peace, people everywhere! Listen to what I say! The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light, He will bring us goodness and light.” Now don’t get me wrong the message of the song is great, the night wind whispering to a little lamb about a “star with a tail as big as a kite.” The lamb asking a shepherd boy if he can hear the same song he hears, and the shepherd boy asking the mighty king, “Do you know what I know?” Now if you listen closely at the words, you will notice that each phrase is contingent upon one thing: listening!

In our day and age where everything demands our immediate attention it is often hard to get people to simply listen. In the verses we will look at this morning we will notice that the one thing Mary had to do is listen. And what she hears changes not only her life but ours as well. As we take a closer look at this week in Advent, we will learn to listen to the voice of the Lord in our lives. Let discover what Mary listened to, shall we?

Responsive Reading – Luke 1:26-38

Listening is a difficult skill to learn for some of us. My mother used to ask us all the time, “Are you listening to me?” To make sure we were, she would often want us to repeat back what she had just told us. Like Mary, we need to…

I. Listen to the message God has for us!

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:26-29 NIV84)

  1. God’s messenger, Gabriel is sent to the tiny town of Nazareth to a young girl who was already pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. Most of us are familiar with the story. But can you imagine what occurred? Here is a young girl, perhaps only 14 years old, who is in the process of getting ready to be married. She is already pledged, so it was quite serious. In fact, for all intense and purpose she is a married woman. And this young girl is given a message by a messenger from God! Now I do not know about you but this would be pretty startling for anyone. Yet this young girl has the maturity to listen to the words of the messenger’s greeting. She had found favor in the eyes of the Lord God! Like Noah, Moses, or Abraham before her, this little girl had God’s esteem; Mary had found grace in the eyes of the Lord! Mary understood what that meant but she was “greatly troubled at his words”. Why? Simply because she “wondered what kind of greeting this might be”! Mary listens but what she heard did not make any sense because how could a young woman in a backwater village find grace with God, and that He would send one of his messengers to her? Her ears heard the message, but her mind simply could not conceive what it might mean for her life! And isn’t this often the case when God speaks to us? We hear the message, but we may not fully understand what it means for our lives. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit in our lives through His word, through our prayers, through fellow believers, and through our life experiences but are we actually listening to what God is trying to tell us? Like Mary we need to listen to the message God has for us!

EXAMPLE: I often find humor in the pages of Scripture. Remember when Elisha ran from Jezebel and God found him hiding in a cave? Here is this great man of God who faced down 450 false prophets of Baal, destroyed them all by calling down fire from heaven, but ran from one woman and is found cowering in a cold, dank, cave! God sends a mighty wind, then an earthquake, and finally a great fire but God is not in any of these but instead He is found by Elisha in “a gentle whisper”. Like Mary, Elisha needed to listen to the message God had for him. When life gets way too complicated and noisy it can be hard to find a quiet time to listen to the Lord, but right now, today, during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we need to, like Mary, listen to the message God has for us!

We all have some kind of plans for our lives. College, perhaps a trade school, or maybe even starting your own business! Getting married, having children, or traveling around the world doing missions or ministry! Perhaps even retirement. Some of us old folks will tell you that life has a way of throwing curve balls and just like Mary…

II. What we hear from God may not always be what we want!

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33 NIV84)

  1. In the midst of Mary’s concern, God is right there by her side providing the peace that surpasses all understanding. His messenger who has stood before others, now stands before the mother of the Messiah and calms her fears with these words: “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” Over and over throughout the pages of Scripture we find these words spoken by God to his people when they are afraid, “Fear not.” He gives us light in the darkest situations; He calms the stormy waters that rage around us, and He gives us peace when all else fails and fear wants to force us into making the wrong choices in life. To live is Him and to even die is gain! Mary found grace with God and in that grace, she discovers peace. She is given something she never ever expected: “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” What? You’ve got to be kidding me? Right! A little Jewish girl barely old enough to know all she needed to know about cooking, cleaning, and keeping a house, who was just getting used to the idea of being pledged to be married, was now expected to be the mother of a child, a boy, and he is going to be called “the Son of the Most High”! What? Mary realized in that moment that what we hear from God may not always be what we want! Become a missionary? Go witness to whom? Go volunteer doing what where? Lord, You want me to be what for You? I’m too old, I’m too young, and I do not know enough! I’d have to move, give up my time, my talent, my treasure; and are you actually sure this is what you want of me? Yet in the midst of all our fears, like Mary, God says, “Do not be afraid.” What we hear from God may not always be what we want!

  EXAMPLE: I am reminded of the little boy who when he did not like what he heard he would cover his ears with his hands and sing as loud as he could, “I can’t hear you!” And wouldn’t you know it, it never worked for him. He still had to do what his parents wanted him to do. Remember Jonah and how he tried to plug his ears with a boat ride but ended up being fish fodder. What we hear from God may not always be what we want!

It can be frightening when things do not work out as we planned. An unexpected pregnancy, falling in love with someone we never expected, going to school in another city or being transferred halfway around the world! Being called to ministry or missions as a senior adult! All kinds of things can happen in our lives but just like Mary…

III. We can trust the Lord with what we’ve heard!

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:34-38 NIV84)

  1. Mary is perplexed because she understood the facts of life. It takes two to make a baby, a momma and a papa. Yet God’s messenger was telling her something quite different. So, as the mature young lady she was she asks, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” God never minds the tough questions because He always has the simple answer: He will do it! Just like that Mary would have this baby boy by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by some “force”, not by some ghost, not by mystical or magical means, but by “the power of the Most High”! God Himself would “overshadow” Mary. God would do what He said He would do. Now if Mary doubted what she was being told, Gabriel responds by telling Mary that “Elizabeth” her aunt was “going o have a child in her old age, and she who said to be barren (was) in her sixth month”! Mary’s baby boy would be through the power of God, and he would be God, born of a virgin, into the world because just as God can have a barren aunt have child in her advanced age, a young virgin can conceive through the power of the Most High and therefore “nothing is impossible with God”! Now we often want to try and thoroughly explain what occurs here and some have come up with some really stupid and silly notions, but for me I am content to follow Mary’s lead. She was satisfied to allow God to do whatever He had planned for her life and tells Gabriel, “May it be to me as you have said”! This indicates to me that Mary did not doubt the angel’s words but merely wanted to know how such a thing could be accomplished! The answer was that the Holy Spirit would creatively bring about the physical conception of her son Jesus. That’s all Gabe needed to hear, and he immediately leaves her where he found her. Mary shows us that we can trust the Lord with what we’ve heard!

EXAMPLE: Picture in your mind the scene: A small village that hardly anyone even notices when traveling through it. A dusty road, not more than a path really, winds through its center and there in the midst of its streets, houses, and fields is a young Jewish girl, barely 14 years old. Perhaps she is working in the field next to her house, perhaps she is sweeping the dusty floor of her family’s one room, or she is doing some other chore of sewing or mending, and a messenger comes to her. Not any person but an angel of God. He has a special message for a special young girl: She has found grace with God and has been chosen by Him to be His mother. “Impossible!” “Improbable!” you say. Yet it is true, every word of it. And how do I know it to be true, because nothing is impossible with God. And like Mary we can trust the Lord with what we’ve heard. 

Conclusion:

During this Christmas season, this time of Advent, when God came to earth born as a baby boy perhaps we need to be more like Mary: Listen to the message God has for us! Realize that what we hear from God may not always be what we want! Yet, in the midst of life we can trust the Lord with what we’ve heard! Now, do you hear what He is saying?

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This article is copyrighted © 2022 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Ramblings from Retirement – Deacon’s Wives and Kids!

Ramblings from Retirement – Deacon’s Wives and Kids!
By Lee Hemen, Retired Pastor
March 19, 2021

I remember when I had been a believer for several years when my church came to me asking if I would be considered to be a Deacon. I was surprised and flattered. Having served as a Yokefellow (Deacon in training), as a Deacon, Ministry Leader for College and Discipleship, and finally serving as a pastor for 35 years I have seen a lot of men called to the ministry and to be Deacons. I have served on many selection committees over the years for Minister of Music, Deacons, Associate Pastor and Pastor. And as I was sitting here having my devotion I was reminded of what Paul wrote Timothy concerning men who were being considered for being a Deacon in the church.

Paul would write, “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8-13 NIV)”

I have seen men considered and accepted as Pastors and Deacons that should have never been considered and I have even spoken against some men for being considered. However I am not going to speak to the qualifications or lack thereof for men who are being considered for Deacon, rather I want to address some issues that sometimes are completely ignored.

First and foremost as a church considers the office of Deacon they need to make sure of what they expect from their Deacons and be very clear what is expected. The reason is simple: Too many churches have a false notion of what Deacons are supposed to be. They are not to be the “second branch” of church government. This comes from the false notion that like the Federal Government the Pastor is the Executive Branch, the Deacons are the Legislative Branch, and the congregation serves as the Judicial. Sometimes the congregation and Deacons trade between being the Judicial and Legislative Branches. This simply is not biblical. Deacons were seen and originally chosen to serve their church and assist the leadership (See Acts 6:1-7). Deacons are to be servants and helpers that fill in where the Pastor cannot or where he or the local church needs help.

However the second thing I wanted to address is the wife of the Deacon. Notice that Paul wrote his friend Timothy that “In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” In the same way means that she should be like her husband; tested, nothing ungodly held against them, worthy or respect, sincere, not drinkers, and not pursuing dishonest gain. But also notice Paul adds another attribute for the wives of Deacons in that they should not be “malicious talkers but temperate and worthy in everything”. Deacons will serve in situations where they will be entrusted with spiritual things and certain secrets that cannot be shared with anyone else, even their wives. And yet their wives may be called to help in the ministry and they too will need to keep their mouths quiet concerning sensitive issues. One important note I want to make here is the fact that the church’s Pastor should always be informed of any spiritual weakness within the congregation unless it specifically concerns a spiritual issue of the Pastor himself. Gabby Deacons or gossipy wives can ruin a church.

And finally the issue of how a Deacon’s family acts is extremely important. In the early church men could have come from a lifestyle of where they had several wives at a time. The wording in the original Greek in Timothy makes it plain that these men were to be the husband of one wife when they were being considered as a Deacon in the church. Paul doesn’t mean a man cannot be single or that he could never have been divorced. The wording is clear; he should be the husband of one wife and not several but also notice that he “must manage his children and his household well.” This means his wife and children respect and honor him. This is not some rigid hardhearted man who demands compliance from his family but one who lovingly encourages and spiritually strengthens his family. His wife and children love and follow his lead. He is involved in his home. Also notice that Paul stressed that he should “manage his children and household well.” This also includes his finances. A man being considered for Deacon should be able to handle his finances and he should already be a thither and willing giver to his church. Money should not be an issue in his life.

Sadly there are a lot of jokes and stories out there concerning a Pastor’s family or a Deacon’s family; and may this never be the case concerning the men and their families that your church may consider to the ministry of Deacon.
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This article is copyrighted © 2021 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Ramblings From Retirement – Make God Known!

Ramblings from Retirement – Make God Known!
By Lee Hemen, Retired Pastor
March 17, 2021

How do you let future generations know about God? Reading your Bible and praying are good for you personally but doing these things even daily do not get you active in actually getting out and letting those around you know about God. Now do not get me wrong because I do believe in prayer and reading the Bible but if that is all you do you could actually be hindering others from knowing about God.

The Psalmist declared, “I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalms 89:1 NIV)” He took a stand to verbally sing of God’s love. Now you may not want to sing in front of others and this is not the case I am making and others may not want you to sing to them, however as believers in God we are to about the business of letting the world around us know about the love of God. The Psalmist related that he would actually speak with his mouth to make known God’s faithfulness “through all generations”.

So if you are a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, or friend and neighbor how do you actively make known God’s faithfulness to others around you? Here in the Psalmist words there is intent and a call to action and this is more than reading the Bible or safely staying in your home praying by yourself. In order for future generations to know about God will take this generation getting off its behind and telling them about His love and kindness.

Perhaps today you could go next door to a neighbor and see how they are doing or actually offer yourself as a means of help. Perhaps today you could send an email or text to someone that needs to hear from you and let them know you are actually praying for them and offer yourself as a means of comfort or ministry. Perhaps you could actually sit down and write a letter or card expressing to someone how God has been working your life and how you pray that He is working in their life as well. Perhaps you could volunteer your help in a local ministry to sort clothing, cook meals, clean or disinfect, or read to others.

As a grandparent, parent, aunt or uncle you can talk about God and His faithfulness to your nieces and nephews, kids or grandkids. I actively pray over my grandkids and talk to them about the Lord as we walk, play at the park, or as I sit and play with them at home. I have decided that I will not miss a moment when I cannot talk to someone, help someone, or pray with someone and remind them about the faithfulness of God. Why not join me today?

The Psalmist reminds us that we are to get actively involved to make known God’s faithfulness to all generations.
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This article is copyrighted © 2021 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

When A Good-Bye Is A Good Thing! – 2 Timothy 4:1-8

When A Good-Bye Is A Good Thing! – 2 Timothy 4:1-8
By Pastor Lee Hemen
July 26, 2020

Benjamin Franklin wrote that both “fish and visitors stink after three days” and he could have been referring to the fact that a lot of people back then did not bath as often as they should, I’m not sure. Yet I have seen that far too often how some pastors can overstay their ministry and they begin to stink like unwanted guests or old fish. Sometimes, saying “good-bye” is a good thing. I have learned that when the Lord begins to share with you what you need to do you had better do it and this is the case with my own retirement. I do not want to stink but leave when the Lord commands.

The Apostle Paul was headed to prison and he knew it because God had told him this was the case. He desired to leave a few things behind that he hoped would benefit a young protégé and the early church as a whole. Let’s discovery when good-bye is a good thing…

READ: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Paul understood that the world needed the message of the gospel. This has not changed. While many ministries focus on the individual’s happiness, success, and personal comfort this is not what the gospel message is about. In fact we learn that…

I. Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean that we quit sharing the gospel! (Vv. 1-2)

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.

1. Paul faced not only those who he had shared the gospel with but also the witness of the world at large. These folks were witnesses to how he had conducted himself both before his conversion and what occurred afterwards. He also understood that there were far greater witnesses he would have to one day give an account to for his life so he writes, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom”. Paul would have to give an account of his life to “God” and “Jesus Christ”! These would be far harsher witnesses to his life than the world would be because they “will judge the living and the dead”! Sometimes we can forget that all believers everywhere have to give an account to one another, the world, but to God as well! God’s kingdom is now and he could return at any moment! Jesus remarked over and over that he would bring justice to the world when he returned and related that even a persistent person would find justice from an unjust judge. Therefore, “I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8 NIV)” If Jesus were to return today would he find you doing what he has asked you to do? Would he find you living your faith? Notice Paul wrote that his readers were to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” How beautiful to hear about those who use every opportunity to share the good news to those around them no matter their circumstances! Paul was like that and we learn from him that saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean that we quit sharing the gospel! EXAMPLE: Some messages are more important than others. The Constitution of the United States has transformed not only the USA but many nations of the world who have used it as a basis for their own constitutions. As wonderful as the Constitution is the gospel message is far more important for the world to hear. Never before has the world needed the message it contains. Paul understood this and he realized that saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean that we quit sharing the gospel!

Paul also understood that there would be people who would try to use the gospel for their own benefit. It was therefore extremely important that the church understand that…

II. Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean we change the message! (Vv. 3-5)

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

1. We have learned that many of those protesting are paid communist sympathizers funded by groups that want to destroy America and its freedom. The media would want you to think they are a majority when in fact they are an extreme minority. While change is not all bad for America, anyone who desires to tear down personal freedoms for the sake of socialism or communism are evil. These kinds of evil people exist within the church as well. There are those who deliberately tear down the deity of Jesus, his existence, or his historicity in order to gain an audience. Paul knew this would occur and wrote “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.” We have those who claim they love God or know Jesus espousing ungodly lifestyles, perverted practices, or sinful socialism. They do not know God. Paul would declare “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (Romans 1:25-26 NIV)” Just because someone seems nice, intelligent, or spiritual does not mean they know God personally. “Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” However the believer is to remain strong in their faith. We do not make the words of Scripture fit our personal proclivities, rather we conform ourselves into the image of Jesus. This is why Paul would write, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)” Christians are to “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry”. Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean we change the message! EXAMPLE: Tearing down a statue or changing the name of a sports team does not change history. If we do not learn from our past we are doomed to do the same things in the future. Trying to rewrite history will not make up for the mistakes of the past. Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, Communist China, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela have all tried to rewrite history to suit their political desires. It does not change history. The gospel message is the same today, yesterday, and until Jesus returns! Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean we change the message!

As Paul faced perhaps the end of his life he had given a lot of thought what it meant for what remained of his life. He wanted to share with those he cared about what it might mean and in his words we discover that…

III. Saying “good-bye” is not good-bye at all! (Vv. 6-8)

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

1. Paul did not know what would occur in the future for his life. He suspected that it would not end well. God had shared with him that he would end up in Rome and imprisoned for his faith. Now as I enter into the final days of my ministry here as pastor I do not know exactly what the Lord has in store for me but I am confident he is in control. Paul would write, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.” He understood that no matter what occurred God was in control. This is true for all of us. He wanted to comfort them by letting them know he was not worried. I want to let you know the same is true for me as well. Paul writes some of the most beautiful words to them by telling them “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul knew who he had believed in and was fully persuaded that God had plans for his life no matter the outcome. He could confidently state: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Anyone who has served the Lord confidently has such a view. I know my ministry is not based on how I feel, the title I have, or the position given to me; it is based in the One whom I have believed in all these years. Will things change? Certainly; this is the way of the Lord. Change happens but it is not a bad thing but a blessing. And like Paul for me saying “good-bye” is not good-bye at all! EXAMPLE: The earliest memory I have is one of being about two years old sitting by our backdoor with our dog on a sunny day in Jackson, Wyoming. I have often wondered why we do not have more memories of our youth; I know I am luckier than most because I have retained quite a few. Knowing these memories and knowing the gospel message has given me confidence for my future as well. Like Paul I have learned “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:7-8 NIV)” Saying “good-bye” is not good-bye at all!

Conclusion:

Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean that we quit sharing the gospel! Saying “good-bye” doesn’t mean we change the message! Saying “good-bye” is not good-bye at all!

This article is copyrighted © 2020 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

A mentor – 2 Kings 2:1-3; 7-14

A mentor – 2 Kings 2:1-3; 7-14
By Pastor Lee Hemen
September 9, 2018

When I began as a pastor, I heard that Sunday School was a way to reach, teach, win, and develop believers. I chose to adopt these concepts. Developing Christians requires personal mentoring as well as teaching. As a church we are to be alert for Christians who are growing spiritually and who give indications they would make excellent workers in the Lord’s kingdom and then mentor them for that task. In spite of our busy schedule, lack of confidence, or belief that only God or staff members can mentor another believer we are all called to mentor others in Christ.

First Kings ends with the ascension of Ahaziah to the throne of Israel, and 2 Kings begins with Ahaziah already reigning as king. 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book. The approximate date for the starting point for 2 Kings is 853 BC. The first two chapters in 2 Kings record the last two acts of the prophet Elijah and the first three miracles of his successor Elisha. Elijah’s mentoring of Elisha provides an illustration of some helpful steps any Christian can take in mentoring another Christian. Mentor means a trusted guide, a tutor, or a coach. Let’s discover what that means for us today…

READ: 2 Kings 2:1-3; 7-14

Whereas Elijah mentored Elisha to be his successor as God’s prophet, most Christians will mentor workers for other tasks like teaching, witnessing, serving, working in Extended Teaching, Trail Life or any number of ministries to which God leads them. What qualifications would you look for in another Christian to determine if that person is ready to be mentored? In these verses we discover how to…

I. Test others! (Vv. 2 Kings 2:1-3 NIV)

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “but do not speak of it.”

1. Just before Elijah’s home going in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on the way from Gilgal. The Hebrew word translated whirlwind can also refer to a windstorm, a gale, or a violent wind. God took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. In the prophets’ relationship Elijah was able to demonstrate to Elisha what this ministry was all about. Elisha was able to watch Elijah closely and see how he served God as a prophet. When the time came for Elijah to go to heaven and for Elisha to assume Elijah’s work; Elijah tried to get Elisha to remain in Gilgal by telling him to stay there while he went on for the Lord. Elisha responded by saying, “I will not leave you.” So together, they went to Bethel. Three times Elijah tried to leave Elisha behind (vv. 2, 4, 6). Each time Elisha refused to leave. Elijah’s command to Elisha to stay behind was a test of Elisha’s determination to become a prophet. Elisha showed he would remain with Elijah. As the two approached Bethel, the sons of the prophets came out to speak to Elisha. These men were prophets and were being trained or mentored in their religious duties by leading prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. They asked Elisha if he knew the Lord was going to take his master from him that day. The expression from you, or literally “from your head,” alludes to the custom of students’ sitting at the feet of their teachers. Their being in that position made the teacher taller than their heads. Elijah was Elisha’s teacher who was mentoring him for future prophetic service. God had revealed to these students that Elijah’s time on earth was over and that God was going to take him that day to heaven. God had revealed the same sad truth to Elisha also, for he said, “Yes, I know.” However, he told the prophets, “Be quiet,” for that news was very painful. God was also testing Elisha to see if he was ready to assume the prophetic mantle of Elijah.

EXAMPLE: It is good for churches to test prospects for service within their ministries. Over the decades I have watched as some churches have not done this and suffered the consequences of their inaction. When churches were considering setting a person aside for a particular ministry they would have a time of training, then allowing the candidate to serve within the particular ministry, followed by an evaluation period. These verses teach us this morning that it is a good idea to test others while mentoring them!

Elijah was testing Elisha’s spiritual sensitivity and determination to follow him and become his successor just as God planned. Like Elijah, all mentors need to test those they mentor to see if they are spiritually committed and suited for their particular function in God’s service. Elisha, however, had no trouble passing the test. In these verses we learn to…

II. Mentor others! (Vv. 2 Kings 2:7-10 NIV)

Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours–otherwise not.”

1. Elijah and Elisha arrived at the Jordan after their trip from Gilgal and Jericho. Fifty prophets came out and from a distance. The Jordan River here is where it flows into the northern end of the Dead Sea. When they reached the Jordan, Elijah took his mantle, struck the waters and the water parted, allowing them to cross on dry ground to the east side. Just as God parted the waters for Moses when he held his staff over the sea God parted the Jordan for them. Now “Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.” Elijah’s question to Elisha was very important. Before he died, Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you?” This question was another test for Elisha. Would he ask for riches, fame, safety, or something like that? Instead, Elisha’s reply was a request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elisha was not asking for twice the amount of Elijah’s spirit or some form of mystical power. The double portion terminology goes back to passages like Deuteronomy 21:17. A father’s oldest son received a double share of the inheritance. That implied the oldest son would succeed his father and have his father’s authority and blessing. Elisha wanted to follow Elijah in his prophetic ministry. He asked for Elijah’s spirit his zeal because he knew Elijah’s power and ability came from God working in Elijah. Elisha’s spiritual sensitivity made him aware that he would need that same God-given spiritual ability to be Elijah’s successor. Elijah called Elisha’s request something difficult. He knew only God could answer such a request. But he promised Elisha that he would inherit his prophetic office and his spiritual gifts if he remained with him and witnessed his death. If not, then Elisha would not receive what he requested. Elisha must reveal his willingness to stay with Elijah all the way. The older prophet could not produce his spiritual power in Elisha but he could mentor him and prepare him for God to use him. Elijah mentored through example and through teaching. He made sure Elisha saw that God was the source of his power and preaching.

EXAMPLE: Mentoring another is not an easy task yet every believer is called to do so at different times. It could be someone they lead to the Lord; it could be their children, a spouse, a friend or someone within the church! I had several mentors over the years from friends, pastors, deacons, teachers, and others. God used these men and women to polish the edges, give me greater wisdom, and the ability to learn how to be the best possible pastor I could be. Through the years I have tried to mentor others as well. As believers we are called to mentor others.

In evangelism we often challenge Christians by saying, “Each one should win one.” In discipling others for Christian service, we need to challenge each other by saying, “Each one mentor one.” However there comes a time when the ones we are mentoring must be left on their own to develop and mature in Jesus in their own time. In the following verses we discover that we must…

III. Leave the work to others! (Vv. 2 Kings 2:11-14 NIV)

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart. He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

1. The time came for Elijah to go home with the Lord. As Elijah and Elisha were walking along and talking together, God revealed a chariot of fire with horses of fire. God took Elijah up into heaven in the whirlwind. The picture of Elijah and Elisha walking along the road together and talking with each other is a good picture of the mentoring process. The mentor must spend time with the one being mentored. The learner needs to ask questions and the mentor needs to demonstrate what is to be done and to explain how and why the one mentored needs to do these tasks. God often revealed himself through fire, as he did to Moses at the burning bush and to Elijah on Mount Carmel before the prophets of Baal. The appearance of the chariots and horsemen was used elsewhere to describe an appearance of God (see 2 Kings 13:14). God separated them; Elijah to go home with him and Elisha to stay and minister to his people. Elisha addressed Elijah as “My father, my father,” meaning his spiritual father. After watching Elijah go out of sight, Elisha tore his clothes apart in anguish. This action and his intimate address of Elijah as “My father, my father” revealed the grief of Elisha’s heart at the departure of Elijah. Evidently in Elijah’s miraculous translation to heaven in the whirlwind, he either discarded or dropped his mantle. This garment was part of the uniform of Elijah the prophet and served as a symbol of his ministry. Elisha picked up the mantle and went back to the banks of the Jordan where Elijah had parted the waters. Taking Elijah’s prophetic cloak was meaningful symbolism. Elisha was assuming responsibility as Elijah’s successor and began his journey back to Israel to serve the Lord. Using the mantle in the same manner as he had seen Elijah use it, Elisha struck the waters. He asked, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” Elijah was gone. Only his cloak remained. Was God gone also? Facing the obstacle of the river was Elisha’s first test as to whether God really had called him and empowered him to succeed Elijah. When Elisha used the cloak on the river, it divided and he crossed over. God answered Elisha’s question: God was with Elisha as He had been with Elijah! Elijah had left the work to others, namely Elisha!

EXAMPLE: We need to be reminded that unlike now because of Jesus’ resurrection we enjoy the power and presence of God always. During Elijah’s and Elisha’s day this was not the case. The presence of God through the Holy Spirit had not been given permanently as it is today. Elisha was unsure and he needed to be reassured by the Lord. God show him that he indeed was Elijah’s true successor by parting the waters of the Jordan just as he had done for Elijah. That hairy old garment was not magical or special, it was the people God worked through who were. Elijah had left Elisha to continue the work of being God’s prophet.

Conclusion:

1. Mentors need to test those they are mentoring to see if they are suited for the task.
2. Those who demonstrate spiritual sensitivity to serving God should be mentored.
3. Those mentored must be released do the work for which they have been mentored.
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This article is copyrighted © 2018 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Family, what are you going to do? — John 7:1-10

Family, what are you going to do? — John 7:1-10
By Pastor Lee Hemen
February 22, 2015

A comedian once quipped, “The problem with relatives is that they tend to be family.” I am not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I am sure there are some folks in our families we would rather not relate to. Families can be close or they can be dysfunctional, sadly, far too many in our day and age are the latter. We know that Jesus had younger brothers; James, Joseph, Jude and Simon to name four (Mark 6:3), and some sisters as well. We also know that Mary was his mother was still alive and yet Joseph, his adoptive father, was probably dead by the time he began his ministry. And, we also discover that his family did not fully understand Jesus’ calling nor who he was (Mark 3:21, 31) and tried to dissuade him from following the path God had set for him.

I remember well when I decided to follow God’s calling in my life, how my own family reacted. It wasn’t all rose blossoms and birds singing. In fact, they kind of thought I was weird in doing so because at the time, none of them understood what it meant. Here in John’s gospel we discover Jesus’ family, namely some of his brothers, attempting to get Jesus to do what they desired instead of following what God desired. Isn’t that the way sometimes families can be? Family, what are you going to do? let’s discover what this meant for Jesus and what we can learn from it this morning…

READ: John 7:1-10

A builder in California has come up with an innovative idea to sell his houses. He thinks that a good way to make a house more appealing is to have a family there when showing the house. So he hires actors to play happy families in his company’s model homes. Would-be buyers can ask them questions about the house. Each fake family cooks, watches television, and plays games while house-hunters wander through. Have you ever wanted to hire a fake family? Here in John’s gospel we discover that in the case of Jesus’ family…

I. Faith is not necessarily found in the nearness to one’s family! (Vv. 1-5)

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

1. This short section is kind of a pause between another confrontation with Jesus and the religious authorities of his day. And in the midst of the mix we find his own family getting into the act of trying to discourage him from doing what God desired him to do. After Jesus faced off with those who followed him around the Sea of Galilee for food, he now confronts his own brothers. We learn that ” Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.” Jesus was not stupid and his time had not yet come for him to begin the confrontation that would ultimately lead to his sacrificial death and resurrection. And, in fact, “when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, ‘You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.'” The Bible Knowledge Commentary relates that “The Feast of Tabernacles was one of the three great Jewish feasts… This feast, also called the Feast of Ingathering, was a time of thanksgiving for harvest. It was a happy time; devout Jews lived outdoors in booths made of tree branches for seven days as a reminder of God’s provision in the desert during their forefather’s wanderings. The feast also signified that God dwells with His people.” So, it would not be unusual for Jesus’ family to encourage him to go, what greater place than Jerusalem and this feast to show himself to the world! Perhaps they had seen many of his disciples leave after his difficult teachings concerning himself. Perhaps they were trying to push Jesus into publically proclaiming who he was. Whatever the case, it was not Jesus’ desire at this time. And, we learn that “even his own brothers did not believe in him.” There is the truth of the matter. We discover that faith is not necessarily found in the nearness to one’s family!

EXAMPLE: Over the decades I have had many folks try to assume they are closer to God because of a family member who was a missionary, pastor, or deacon. Nothing could be further from the truth. Faith is not inherited. It is not a birthright. Being the son of a pastor, the grandson of a preacher or the nephew of a deacon does not guarantee one’s salvation. What your granddaddy, great granddaddy or auntie did has no bearing on the outcome of one’s life in Christ. Certainly their Godly influence could have had an effect, but spirituality and salvation are one’s individual decision to make and live. Faith is not necessarily found in the nearness to one’s family!

Have you ever had one of those spontaneous moments where one of you cries out, “Family hug!” then you all gather around each other and give one great big bear hug? Of course there is always one killjoy who does not want to be part of this embarrassing scene. That is when you have to insist they join in or else suffer the consequences. You might have to do it in public when they least expect it! Here in John’s gospel Jesus teaches us that…

II. Faith demands we act in spite of our family! (Vv 6-10)

Therefore Jesus told them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.” Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.

1. Like many of us, Jesus’ own family misunderstands him. And “Therefore Jesus told them, ‘The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right.'” His timing was different from his own family’s desire. They in fact could come and go as they pleased, his life was dictated by different motives than theirs. Jesus always pleased his heavenly father, so his life and what he did with it was directed by his father’s will. It was not time for him to be sacrificed for the whole world. He tells them bluntly, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.” Being part of a sinned stained world, his brothers and their actions would not be disdained or hated by it, but his actions that were directed by the father and therefore were holy, would be hated! The world has its religions, its programs, its plans, its values, but Christ witnessed that it is all evil. This is why much of what believers do in life is disdained by the world or in fact seen as stupid. It is contrary to how the rest of the world reacts and works. He then tells them, “You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.” Here is a difficult thing for some because they wonder, “Was Jesus lying, since he eventually did go to the Feast?” The answer is “no”. Jesus simply refused to be pushed into a hasty decision by his brothers to do that which might not be what God desired! In fact, the rendering here strongly suggests that after a time of reflection, of staying in Galilee, and “after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also.” However, notice Jesus went privately, in secret and not publically as his brothers tried to push him to do. Remember, there were those who were now plotting to kill Jesus. However, Jesus never allowed himself to be pressured or pushed into doing someone else’s will, he only did what his father in heaven told him to do. Faith demands we act in spite of our family!

EXAMPLE: Working on the playground I have come into contact with a lot of children who come from dysfunctional homes. Many spend their free time watching TV or playing video games. I am concerned that far too many families use these things as babysitting tools instead of including their children in family life. We want to be aware that some of the things we do to make our lives easier can actually deprive our kids. Children need to mix with older generations so they can hear the stories of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents. They need a regular meal time where they sit down and eat with one another. This helps them learn from those who have gone before them. Even single parents need to have a suppertime where they learn about their children’s day. Can this be difficult and will our kids always want to share? The answer again is “no” but we can insist and begin to also introduce them to how to use their faith during these times. Faith demands we act in spite of our family!

Conclusion:

Faith is not necessarily found in the nearness to one’s family! Faith demands we act in spite of our family!
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This article is copyrighted © 2015 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Just Wondering…

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:19-24 NIV)

I read recently that we are a nation of consumers and this includes much of what we think we do for the Lord as believers. Christians consume Christ, not in the Eucharist sort of way, but rather in the commercial self-driven self-centered way of the world. So much so that our worship of God has become what we emote out of it and not what God desires from us. We leave churches because we feel a certain way rather than because God is actually calling us to a new ministry to sacrificially serve Him. We read the holy words of God for a momentary emotional boost rather than for the eternal truths that transform our lives. Our Christianity has become like a brown paper bag full of cheap wrapped candy, if we suck on a piece of it and do not like the taste we spit it out on the ground and look for another piece in the bag we can enjoy. Tragically, we are suffering the consequences of our ungodliness. We readily pat ourselves on the back for our momentary ministry minutes while the world and our nation goes to hell. We ignore the rampant hedonism of our lives with excuses and conceited platitudes about the love of God. I believe the time has come for “true worshippers” to worship God in “spirit and in truth”, not from our emotional consumerism and selfishly defined reality. Makes one wonder…

Galatians 1:1-5 & 2:20-21 – God’s calling…

Galatians 1:1-5 & 2:20-21 – God’s calling…
September 4, 2011 AM
By Pastor Lee Hemen

My mother used to embarrass the tar out of me when she would call me in for dinner. She would stand out on our front porch and holler “Leeeeeeee Howard Heeeeemen, come home!” Not satisfied to do it once, she would repeat her siren call for several humiliating minutes. Just one time did I decide not to respond to my mother’s call to come immediately home. Afterwards, my father had a little talk with me and I came to the conclusion that it was best for my emotional and physical health, to answer quickly when my mother called.

The Bible teaches us that God calls each of his followers to his service. Jesus individually called his disciples and Paul writes, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30 NIV) God has always called his prophets, judges, and spokesmen throughout the ages to serve and honor him. God is calling each of us this morning as well. Let’s find out how –

READ: Galatians 1:1-5 & 2:20-21

I am excited because God is calling several of our young people to follow him in ministry. He continually calls his people to serve him. What a joy to be part of God calling his people into his work in the world! His calling is not man-made, it has a clear message, and it is always a call to Christ-centered commitment. In Galatians, Paul related that…

I. God’s calling is not man-made! (Vv. 1:1-2)

1. A person can delude himself into thinking he is serving God by watching those who actually are!
1) A Christian’s calling is from God! Notice Paul relates that he was “an apostle–sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father.” “Apostle” literally means, “sent out one.” Paul knew he had a calling from God to be “sent out” to the gentiles. Paul related that “when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man.” (Vv. 1:15-16) Paul recognized that his calling was predestined, because of God’s love, and was specific. His calling therefore could not have been man-made!
2) Our calling is not something we simply “feel”. If our calling were based on feelings or emotionalism then we would run the risk of following our own desires and not God’s will. Our calling must be in line with God’s Word, the church, our prayers, and circumstances. God brings each into focus to show us his calling, just as he did with Paul. This is why Paul would write, “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up!” (Galatians 1:10-11 NIV) God’s calling is not based on feelings nor is it not man-made!
3) However, before we are called to minister, we are first called to follow Jesus! Remember Paul wrote that he was “an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead!” Also remember what Jesus told his disciples when he called them, “Come follow me and will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 NIV) He first called them to follow him and then he would make them “fishers of men.” The same holds true for us as well. God’s calling always begins with our following Jesus. This is why he would relate, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NIV) Following God’s calling is never man-made!

EXAMPLE: I remember one year when Denise and I went to a Missions Conference in San Francisco. A young man who had joined our college and career group was sensing that God was calling him into ministry. This was interesting because before that, he was only interested in girls, his looks, clothes, and competitive roller-skating! He asked me how someone knew it was God who was calling them and not simply their own emotions. I reminded him that Jesus said that his sheep respond to his voice. That as we pray, read the Word of God, listen to other believers who know us, and look at how God has brought us to that place to make a decision for him we will know that it is God’s calling. Later that evening, he gave his life to ministering to college students at Clark College. He came to realize that his calling was not a man-made feeling.

God begins by calling everyone to come to his Son Jesus Christ. Peter wrote that it was God’s desire that not anyone should perish, but that everyone would “come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God has called all Christians to serve him. It is not a man-made calling. We know this to be true because Paul relates…

II. God’s calling has a clear message! (Vv. 1:3-5)

1. The world calls us to a muddled philosophy of humanism and situational ethics!
1) The clear message of God has always been “grace and peace!” Job tells us “submit to God and be at peace with him.” (Job 22:21) Psalm 85:8 reminds us that God “promises peace to his people, his saints!” Isaiah acknowledged, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) This is why Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 & Luke 2:14) However, it is not a peace like the one the world offers! Jesus succinctly told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) It is a clear message of grace and peace, but not the same peace the world offers!
2) The clear message of God is about “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age!” Grace and peace are found only in Jesus Christ. He is our peace with God. Paul writes that “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20 NIV)
3) The clear message is “according to the will of our God and Father!” Paul knew where his calling came from. His message was not his own. He boldly declared “we preach Christ crucified” and that “when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” (1 Corinthians 1:23 & 9:16-17) Our calling is to preach the clear message of God!

EXAMPLE: Christians are to discharge the trust committed to them: the clear message of the Gospel! It is the calling of every believer, yet there are those who want to make the message into what they think is relevant. I were watched the news on PBS a few years ago as they interviewed the President of Linfield College. He tried to assert that Southern Baptists were “out-of-step” theologically by today’s standards because even “Paul and Jesus would not view homosexuality in today’s world the same as in their own day and age.” This is simply hogwash. The loving message of the gospel has not changed. Theological relevancy always runs the risk of compromise and capitulation. God’s calling has a clear message: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV)

People talk about getting their lives “centered.” What they mean is that they want to focus their lives on something. While this is a laudable goal, what you focus your life on makes a huge difference in the larger scheme of things. Far too many people will have focused their lives on what they thought as noble, good, or appropriate only to finally find God telling them “I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23) Christians, more than ever before, need to realize that…

III. God’s calling is always Christ-centered! (Vv. 2:20-21)

1. The hymn writer Helen Lemmel wrote, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!”
1) Paul understood that his life was to be lived for Jesus, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This revelation has escaped many of today’s believers. They think Jesus lives in them for their pleasure, whims, and desires! Simply to fulfill their self-centeredness! Not only is this a false premise, it is an ungodly and selfish belief! This is why Paul could boldly declare, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21 NIV) We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and then all the things God desires for us will be given to us! (Matthew 6:33) Our lives are to be Christ-centered!
2) Paul knew that Christians are to “live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV) This is why Paul exclaimed “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14 NIV) What a difference with many of today’s philosophies that mimic the satanic refrain: “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die!” (Luke 12:19 NIV) Paul understood that the life he lived “in the body” here on earth was temporary. His life was to be lived “by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself of me!” It is a Christ-centered faith!
3) The reason was completely obvious for Paul because if he lived any other way then he would have “set aside the grace of God!” Paul understood that “if righteousness could be gained through the law (being smart enough, nice enough, good looking enough, relevant enough or wealthy enough), Christ died for nothing!” Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV) Paul knew that “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” (Galatians 6:3 NIV) God’s calling is always Christ-centered.

EXAMPLE: There is an old spiritual truth that states, “If man can do it alone, then God may not be in it at all.” During our lives, there are times when we will want to respond to God based on our own emotions or our own wisdom. Such an approach will get us into spiritual trouble. I remember thinking growing up that “God helps those who help themselves.” As practical as this may sound, it is not a biblical teaching and is contrary to the actual Scriptural truth: “God helps those who depend on Him!” A mountain climber was pulling himself up a treacherous cliff when his rope broke. Reaching out, he quickly grabbed a branch protruding from the rock face. He prayed for help and a voice from heaven answered him by telling him to, “Just let go of the branch!” Not trusting the response, he prayed several more times only to receive the same answer. Finally, he turned his face heavenward and prayed, “Is there anyone else up there that has a better answer?” We must live lives that are Christ-centered.

Conclusion:
God’s calling is never man-made. God’s calling has a clear message for us to know and proclaim. And finally, God’s calling is always Christ-centered. God is calling each of us here today. You are called, will you respond?
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Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2011 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.