Is It Too Much?
Lesson 13
My son, Bishop Ming had a birthday recently and I sent him this illustration.
The story is told of a battle where the flag bearer got so far ahead of the regiment that the officer called back to headquarters and asked, “Shall we bring the flag back to the regiment?” The commanding officer said, “No, make the regiment catch up with the flag!” I told my son he was the commander, a leader carrying the flag of vision, and passion for the Pentecostal Church of God.
I am not sure of your position whether in business, family, or ministry, but you are carrying the flag as a leader! Every man and woman needs to have the heart of a warrior who will run forward and never turn back. We must take responsibility for our call, and role in the kingdom here on earth.
As we look at a New Year, we are excited but overwhelmed at times. We thought we would be “further ahead” in our plans and work, or we could be disappointed at people’s response. In this lesson I want to encourage you, this will happen, but we have our assignment from the One who understands all of this.
Let’s take the journey as Jesus talks of his ministry to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51-62 – As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So, they went on to another village. As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you where you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the kingdom of God.” Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Although Jesus knew he would face persecution and death in Jerusalem, he was determined to go there. I am so glad we do not know before the task what is going to happen as we follow His directions. We probably would argue and decide to go another direction. But Jesus went on and is an example of resolve that will characterize our lives as well. Let’s see the steps in this journey:
1. WHEN WE KNOW HIS PLAN, WE CONTINUE TO OBEY.
LET NOTHING DISTRACT YOU.
When God gives us a course of action, we must move steadily toward our destination, regardless of the potential hazards that await us there.
LET GO OF UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.
Because God calls us does not mean everyone will love us, agree, or support us.
V. 53 – But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on the way to Jerusalem.
ILLUSTRATION: I can remember how my husband and I left one state and moved 2500 miles across the United States to take a new church and new congregation. We had so many unrealistic expectations. When we arrived, we found a congregation of believers who were hurt even to the point of leaving us within six months. It was like building a new congregation yet paying for a new building with very few people. Our family had to get jobs and work to put food on the table. But we knew we had moved in His divine plan.
2. STAY FOCUSED.
Jesus did not turn around but finished the task given by His Father. He did not retaliate even when His disciples were angry at their lack of welcome. V 56 They went on to another village.
They were on the journey with their master. When we are with our Master, we will know what to do.
3. JUDGMENT BELONGS TO GOD.
THE FLESH WANTS TO GET BACK AND RETALIATE.
V 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?”
JESUS REBUKED THEM.
ILLUSTRATION: We all have been hurt and betrayed. One time after we were hurt, I told my husband and the people, “If you don’t want me here, I’m out of here.” We respond from our hurt so many times, but God’s plan is always different.
Stay through the storm, keep building. As it turned out at the church, we saw the sunshine, and the joy of God as he brought in new people, saved, and delivered.
Matthew 5:39 However, I say to you, don’t repay an evil act with another evil act. But whoever insults you by slapping you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. In the cultural setting of the days of Jesus, to slap someone was the greatest insulting physical blow you could give a person. It is better to respond with kindness. This robs the oppressor of his ability to humiliate.
We are given a code of ethics and a standard of conduct for all believers. Our desires should not be to keep score but to love and forgive. This is not natural- it is supernatural. Only God can give us the strength to love as He does.
4. KEEP GIVING PEOPLE THE CALL TO FOLLOW HIM.
V 59 He said to another person, “Come follow me.”
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY “EXCUSES”.
In the verses that follow each person keeps giving excuses. Today people have many excuses why they do not “surrender all” as they did from the beginning of time.
Jesus did not teach people to forsake responsibilities to family, but he often gave commands to people considering their real motives.
WHAT HE WANTS FROM US IS TOTAL DEDICATION NOT HALF-HEARTED COMMITMENT.
We cannot pick and choose among Jesus’ ideas and follow him selectively; we must accept the cross along with the crown. We must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security-without looking back. We should allow nothing to distract us from following Him.
In the same chapter, Jesus had given them the discourse about his death and crucifixion.
V23-24 If you truly desire to be my disciple, you must disown your life completely, embrace my “cross” as your own, and surrender to my ways. For if you choose self-sacrifice, giving up your lives for my glory, you will embark on a discovery of more and more of true life.
If Jesus is most important, you may find yourself in unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable places. You may risk death, but you will not fear it because you know that Jesus will raise you to eternal life.
5. THERE IS NO TURNING BACK.
V 62 Jesus responded, “Why do you keep looking backward to your past and have second thoughts about following me? When you turn back you are useless to God’s kingdom realm.”
FOLLOWING JESUS IS AS SERIOUS TODAY AS IT WAS THEN.
FOLLOWING JESUS HAS A COST.
Each of us must be ready to serve, even when it requires sacrifice.
I told you about moving to the church where we had to all work, and it was very difficult for our sons. But if you ask them, they will tell you, “That is one reason I am in ministry today, I saw God do the miraculous.” I saw God give light in the darkest moments when He was the only answer. When we figure it out, He will not get the glory!
CONCLUSION:
We carry His flag without pride but in humility honored to serve Him. It may feel like the cost is too great and “It is too much.” But there is only one way and that is keep running the race, fighting the good fight of faith and moving forward. Receive His direction and strength.
Enjoy your trip and allow Him to show up in your most difficult circumstances along the way!