Sunday Sermons
All Things Work Together
All Things Work Together
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Many throughout the years have found great comfort and encouragement from the above passage. How wonderful that God has eternally caused good things to happen to a specific group of people – this group "who love God”. For those who chose to love God, God has an eternal plan, which involves becoming like His Son (8:29). This eternal plan equally includes being justified, that is, viewed as righteous, forgiven, and in the end, experiencing eternal glory (8:30). God has always been “for” the God-lovers (8:31). He sent Jesus to die for all men (John 3:16), yet those who will actually benefit from Jesus’ death are those who chose to love God (8:32). How comforting to realize that God always has a plan, an answer, a solution for God-lovers. Paul adds that if God was even willing to give His Son for us, then obviously He will not spare in other areas as well, “How will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (8:32)
That Extra Step
“And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:40-42).
I think we have often considered that the motivation behind this kind of giving is the benefit that our sacrifices will bring to others, and that is quite true. Yet equally true is the benefit that comes our way when we go that extra step. One always reaps countless blessings when making virtuous choices. That is why we are told to "Sow abundantly" (Galatians 6:7-8).
The Woman at the Well
“There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink’” (John 4:7).
We need to be more like Christ in this passage and reach out to people. And when we follow his example, let us pray for a similar response from those we engage. Like many people today this Samaritan woman could have ignored Jesus, quickly drew her water and ran home. She could have kept the conversation light and superficial, and only spoken when absolutely necessary. She could have reasoned that she really did not have the time to talk to this Jewish stranger. Yet, she did more than expected. She reached out to Him (4:9), engaged Him in conversation (4:11), publicly aired her perplexity (4:11-12) to His claims, and was willing to open up her life to Him (4:17-18). Even when He probed deeper, instead of running away, getting embarrassed, she stayed and asked one of the most important religious questions that was on her mind (4:19-20). What can often keep people from great blessings is the fear of having their life and views examined, the fear of saying the wrong thing, the fear of being exposed and as not having the right answer. Yet this woman seems far more interested in finding the truth than being viewed as “smart”. So should we.
Peter
“And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch’. And Simon answered and said, ‘Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing...’” (Luke 5:4-5).
Peter could have rejected Jesus’ advice and considered himself too tired and exhausted. It is so easy to argue that “I am tired”, or “I had a hard day”. Yet Peter goes second mile, “But at Your bidding I will let down the nets”. As a result He will witness a tremendous miracle and be called to catch men from now on (5:10). I wonder – how tired did Peter feel during the excitement of the huge catch? When I consider this example, I say to myself, “Mark, always be willing to go beyond what is expected, be willing to do more, even when you are tired, because you may very well be one step away from a wonderful blessing”. I have found this to be true so many times in my life. The willingness to say, “But at your bidding...” often brings me in context with unexpected blessings. God will give us the strength to do what we should do.
Rebekah
“And she said, ‘Drink my lord’; and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink. Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, ‘I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking’. So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels” (Genesis 24:18-20).
When Rebekah woke up that morning she had no idea that a man was heading her way – the servant of her wealthy relative Abraham, and he was coming to find a wife for Isaac. James admonishes us about making all sorts of plans and then assuming we are actually going to be alive a year from now (James 4:13-14). I find another lesson about our plans in the example of Rebekah. We often assume at the beginning of either a week, or even a day, that whatever we have on our schedule is going to happen, and yet none of it might happen. There are days when every appointment or meeting might end up canceled for one reason or another. In addition to cancellations, there are often a number of quite unexpected additions. I have found in my life that often what happens later in the day was completely unexpected. It might be an added challenge, or it might be an added blessing. Be flexible and not be distressed when Providence makes necessary subtractions or additions. Do not get mad when this happens – after all, our time belongs to Him anyway, as well as everything else we own and are (1 Corinthians 6:18-19).Like Rebekah, be always open to doing more in your day.
Nehemiah
“Now I had not been said in his presence. So the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart’. Then I was very much afraid. And I said to the king...” (Nehemiah 2:1-2).
I am impressed that Nehemiah says bluntly, “I was very much afraid”. Nehemiah could have easily offered some excuse or given into his fears and tried to downplay his sadness. This probably seemed like the easier choice at the moment, the one with less consequences or dangers, yet Nehemiah spoke the truth and gave the real reason why he was sad in the king’s presence (2:3). What might have looked like the dangerous answer, was actually the safe answer. The king understands Nehemiah’s sadness. Yes, one should be sad if the city of one’s ancestors lies in ruins (2:3). Because Nehemiah took that extra step, he was be sent to Jerusalem on a great mission. He would rebuild the walls of the city (1-7) and then he would rebuild the people spiritually (8-13). Taking a personal risk for the opportunity to advance God's causes is honorable.
David and Abigal
Nabal the husband of Abigal had insulted David and his men (2 Samuel 25:9-12), and as result David was prepared to move against Nabal and destroy his holdings (24:13). We are familiar with stuff like this. Something happens that throws a monkey wrench into our plans, and we are frustrated and angry and wonder why life is not cooperating with us. He prepare to vent our anger and maybe even do so, hurting and wounding others. Little did David know that as he was moving in anger against Nabal, that an attractive and intelligent woman was moving toward him (25:19-20). Right before David meets Abigal, David says to himself, “Surely in vain I have guarded all that this man has” (25:21). At this moment David is absolutely convinced that all his efforts and good intentions have been wasted – and at that precise moment Abigal shows up. She proceeds to humbly and wisely present her case as to why David should refrain from revenge. Her speech is very compelling, because it is very true. Instead of resenting her appeal, David views her timing as providential (25:32), and is thankful that through her God has kept him from doing something that he would have regretted.
Applications
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Even when you are frustrated and angry – be open to wise advice.
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When you are on the verge of acting upon your anger – pause. You may be one step away from a complete and advantageous reversal.
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Do not give up quickly; do not bail, hang in there – often an answer is coming.
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Do the noble thing – like Abigal, go the second mile.
In this example, David listens to Abigal, and Abigal takes the initiative to prevent trouble. As a result, David, who had thought that his efforts have been entirely wasted, ends up finding a wife (25:39). Abigal, who has been married to a fool, eventually found herself married to a wonderful king. If you are single, then the good news is that you will most likely encounter Mr. or Mrs. Right – if you too are willing to be Mr. or Mrs. Right. You don’t have to manipulate or force life to make it work, rather, trust God, serve Him, do the right thing, take that extra step – and do not be shocked if the unexpected happens. Many couples have met at the oddest times and strangest locations.
Let's enjoy a higher level of peace in our day to day lives, knowing that whether we are experiencing a setback, an interruption, shocking news, or a pleasant surprise, that when our hearts are devoted to God and because we deeply love Him, He in His faithfulness will see that all these events can work together for our good if we allow them.
Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017
www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net
