May 11
1 Sam 10:1-11:15 | PS 107:1-43 | Prov 15:1-3 | John 6:43-71
It is both good and right to raise children to know the things of God. Going to church regularly, teaching them from the Bible, praying alongside them are all good things. But we must understand that God has no grandchildren, only children. These children of ours, no matter how they were raised, must at some point make the decision themselves to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, not doing it to please their earthly parents in obedience, but in their heart because they are in love with their Heavenly Father. In addition to that, many of us are surrounded by children, spouses, parents, siblings, friends, etc. who have openly rejected Jesus' offer. Some lead fairly moral lives, others have allowed themselves to fall into various forms of immorality. We must remember, as long as there is breath in their lungs, then nothing is final, meaning, no one has gone so far or refused so often, that they cannot still make that decision for Jesus and experience eternity with Him. This choice comes down to a movement of the Holy Spirit, we, ourselves, are incapable of saving anyone. We must remember our roles as His servants, His vessels, His messengers, that's all that we are. But, may we be faithful to follow His leading in a world that is in such desperate need of Him.
Saul was a regular guy, yet we read of his calling and we read in 1 Samuel 10:9, "As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day." Some will accept our new calling, others will not, as we read in 10:11, "When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?”" Then when we step out in faith, in our new Spirit-filled roles, some will listen, while others will scoff and reject, as we read in 10:26-27, "When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him. But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this man save us?” And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts...". We should not be surprised by any of this as Jesus clearly stated in John 6:43-44, "But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said. For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up." Our lives can be difficult, some of God's teachings may be difficult, to which Jesus reminds us in John 6:63, "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Interestingly, we all want instant results. We all desire to say those "right" words, and see that other person stop in their tracks and accept Jesus there and then. But, such is often not the case. Truth be told, we often never know if our words for Jesus hit fertile soil in another's heart or hardened soil. But this is not our calling. We are not to keep a scorecard, for we really never know the score. For our part we are to remain faithful to our calling (and we are all called to this) to be His watchman, to sound the alarm, to boldly present the truth of the gospel message. This part we can control. the reaction we cannot. The truth is, we might be one of many who plant a seed which might at face value seem to be rejected, but after another, then another, is eventually received, and isn't it worth it if even one sinner turns his or her life to Christ? Times might get tough, difficulties and doubts might arise, but through it all, may we remember the words of Peter in John 6:66-69, "At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God." This is our truth, may we never waver.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: