10th Sunday after Trinity – Sermon 132

13th February 2011 Off By Derek Buckthorpe

Prayer to start

May the words of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord Jesus Christ.

AMEN

Introduction

So – Are we ready for it?

Are we ready for the challenge the Christian Faith presents to us today?

The challenges that God puts before us as we journey through our lives towards Him?

Many are crying out for rescue – just as they did in Moses day – are we ready and willing to respond – to God’s call –to help them?

 

Point 1        Exodus – God’s challenge to Moses & His people 

When God wants something done – He turns to us – to carry it through – but rarely does He get an enthusiastic response – often we feel hesitant about going forward in faith –

As Elaine Hall put it – in her talk to the Mothers’ Union – about her journey towards Ordination –

‘I thought ‘no’ – but somehow – I must have said ‘yes’

We tend to undervalue our capabilities and contribution – and we are all too ready to recommend someone else for the job –

When was the last time – we faced a challenge we thought we were incapable of doing?

Sometimes too – we can feel – overwhelmed by the demands made of us? – that it seems as if – there is no escape –

Imagine then – how Moses must have felt – when God turned up – in a burning bush – ordering him to confront Pharaoh – and demand the release of His people –

It was a lot to ask of anyone – but for someone like Moses – who was nervous – and hesitant – it must have seemed like an absolute nightmare

The burning bush – was God’s signal to Moses – to break free form his complacent lifestyle – -to put aside his doubts and fears –to trust – and take on the responsibilities of discipleship

The years of Moses’ life are remarkable – in that they – divide themselves – into three forties – the forty as the prince in Pharaoh’s court – the forty as a shepherd taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep – and the forty as a leader of the Israelites – bringing them out of Egypt – and through the wilderness to the promised Land – Moses was around 80 years old when God appeared to Him – through the burning bush –

But – as we see in the next verses – before accepting God’s challenge – Moses – came up – with reason after reason – as to why he was the least suitable candidate for the job – but God – counters every argument – with an unanswerable repose – until He finally accepts –

I thought ‘no’ but I answered ‘yes’

Moses challenge seemed completely beyond him – until he trusted God completely –

we can only marvel at the – way – he finally rose to the challenge – and fulfilled his mission –

its equally impossible not to be inspired by the way – God provided Moses with all the resources he needs and more besides –

Like Moses generation – God also has a plan for our generation –He sees them act in certain ways – because they want more than anything to be loved – to be set free from the slavery – of trying to live up to a standard they cannot hope to reach – and He needs people – like you and me – to help set them free – Just like in Moses time – God uses ordinary things and ordinary people to do extraordinary events

 

Point 2      Hebrews – God’s challenge to us

Our reading from the concluding chapter – of Hebrews – provides us with what amounts to a shopping list – of duties – and Challenges – that God has for us – today

Like last minute instructions – its full of advice and encouragement – on what we should be doing – in our communities to help others and to spread the news of the Gospel –

Self-giving love is essential – and love within the Christian fellowship – is top of the list

If the church – can’t live as a loving family – then our witness will be undermined

Then comes love in action – towards the vulnerable – and those in prison – we are all required to support and help our neighbours in need –

Christian marriages – too – are an attractive testimony to God’s standards of self giving love – and should be encouraged –

Love of money must – be avoided – this falls far short of the eternal security that belonging to God can provide

Christian Leaders must inspire others- but they will come and go – so we must always look to our unchanging leader – Jesus Christ – for inspiration and guidance –

God is trying to get our attention – He wants to transform the spark within us – into a burning bush – so we will be noticed by those around us – and radiate His presence – He wants us to use our knowledge and closeness to Him – to help others learn of His presence – and His ways –

its not about ability – but availability – even if we think its beyond us – its certainly not beyond Him –

Listen to this extract from the world wide president of the Mothers’ Union – in her letter in the Autumn Home & Family’

“Amazingly – the latest place to open a Branch of the Mothers’ Union is the city of Bagdad – in war torn Iraq. A small group was enrolled at Easter – and since then the membership has grown dramatically. In the last issue of Home and Family you will have read that there was over a 100 members – and now there are over 400. These women are meeting regularly to share prayer and worship and to talk about how they can support their community. Pray for them please”

God used Moses – and He wants to use us as well – and the only reason He’s not doing it – is because we – thought no – and said no – 

Ending

So – has God got your attention yet?

He put an impossible demand on Moses – and propelled Him into natural leadership –

Are we ready to take up – God’s challenges of Christian discipleship – today?

His tasks are never easy – but they are necessary

Are we ready to think yes and say yes – next time He calls?

Prayer to finish

In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit

AMEN