May we have a lifestyle of communion, a lifestyle of baptism, a lifestyle celebrating His life,
death, and resurrection. What does that mean? It is to follow and celebrate Jesus with our
whole hearts, minds, souls, and spirits. May we not just be Sunday attendees but sold-out Christ followers.
Since God wastes no hurts, He used all of Jesus’ life experiences in preparation for Jesus’
submission to God’s will. Jesus endured life as a newborn, a toddler, an adolescent, a young
man. His endurance led to the perfect sacrifice. Christmas is the beginning of the story, and His life, death, and resurrection bring us to communion, which we shared at the service.
Then Pastor Josiah acknowledged former FC pastor, Charlie Gregg. Charlie spoke about his
father’s times of travail and discouragement and that out of travail birthed new life. Charlie
stated from God’s heart was a genetic code which had three parts: 1) an openness of worship to experience God; 2) a heart to receive the broken; 3) a view of reaching out/being mission minded. He felt and saw that same genetic code in the service. “You are in the flow of the genetic code,” Charlie said. Thank you, Lord, for this word of encouragement.
As the ushers went forward for the offering, Pastor Josiah reminded us how the wise men
traveled for two to three years after following the signs and studying to find the Messiah.
“Wisdom resources the fulfillment of prophecy,” he commented. For example, the magi bowed down to worship the Savior. They adored the Messiah and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Instead of expecting something for themselves, they gave items of value. May we be willing to resource the fulfillment of the Word.
FC’s mission is to culture like Christ, and the vision is Jesus. This week’s sermon, entitled
“Determine His Lordship,” emphasized a Gentile woman who pleaded with Jesus, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” Matthew 15:22 (NLT)
As we studied the various people who approached Jesus, we examined their posture and words they used to describe Him. This Gentile woman called Him “Son of David.” That is a messianic term. She recognized Jesus as Lord who was related to King David. She came to Him humbly.
A significant point is He is Lord. But is He your Lord?
Jesus asked His disciples,
”’But what about you?’ he asked. ’Who do you say I am?’
Simon Peter answered,’You are the Messiah, the Son of
the living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)
When you are asked that question, who do you say that Jesus is? Every question merits an
answer. Sometimes the answer will be stated in words; however even more effective are
actions. What fruit hang from your tree of life? What does the fruit say about your commitment to Jesus? Does your lifestyle indicate you are a Jesus follower even on Tuesday or Thursday?
The desperate mother wanted her suffering daughter to be healed, but in Matthew 15:23 it
stated that Jesus did not reply. The disciples “urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go
away,’ they said. ‘ She is bothering us with all her begging.’” (NLT) Pastor Josiah warned
us,”Don’t let your heart grow cold to people who need help.”
Unlike the impatient disciples, God is patient with us and sees us in our desperation and pain. Matters of the heart matter. Jesus knew the definition of mercy which means “not getting what you deserve.” How merciful our Lord has been to each of us who have repented and turned out lives towards Him.
The Paramount Point is “Don’t work things out to determine whether or not He’s Lord.
Determine He’s Lord and with Him work things out!”
God loves you regardless of your finances, race, education, your country of origin. This mother pleaded because her daughter had a spiritual need. The daughter was possessed, but the disciples had an attitude because she was not Jewish.
“Then Jesus said to the woman,’I was sent only to help God’s
lost sheep-the people of Israel.’ Matthew 15:24 (NLT)
Previously Jesus sent his disciples out,”Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only
to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.” Matthew 10:5 (NLT) However, do those verses
mean that only Jews should hear the Gospel? Because later in Acts 1:8, Jesus said,”But you
will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV) These
verses are not in conflict but they go in order; first the Jews are told the message then others
will get to hear and believe the message.
This desperate mother would not give up begging the Lord to heal her daughter.
“But she came and worshiped him, pleading again,’Lord, help
me!’
Jesus responded, ’It isn’t right to take food from the children and
throw it to the dogs.’
She replied,’That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat
scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.’
‘Dear woman,’ Jesus said to her, ’your faith is great. Your request
is granted.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” Matthew 15:2-28 (NLT)
The heart of our Father is not prejudiced. He loves the faithful like this mother. She humbly
sought the Lord, acknowledged His Lordship, and that He was the Messiah. She persisted in
her beliefs and her love for her daughter. The Lord acknowledged her faith and granted her her request-a healed daughter. She had determined He was Lord and acted on her beloved
daughter's behalf. He rewarded her faithfulness. What looked like a stiff arm was an invitation.
When we determine He is Lord, He will work things out. May we determine His Lordship and be salt and light in this dark world.
Calendar:
12/31/24-Midnight Hour-churchwide gathering for prayer and praise-8:00pm-12:00AM
Submitted by
Larry and Annette Linthicum
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