Serving with Little - 11/9/08am

Luke 19:11-27 -Parable of the talents

Often we may think to ourselves, “I could do so much for God if…” But we feel we don’t have enough time. We feel we don’t have the ability. We feel we don’t have the money. We feel we don’t have the resources. We feel are cannot serve as effectively with as little as we each have. “I could help the poor if I have more money.” “I could teach class, but I’m not a good enough teacher.” “ I could study more, but I don’t have the time.” Yet let us look in the Bible to see if we truly need more in order to be effective servants of God.

Moses
Moses made excuses to God based largely on his own abilities. Whether or not he felt they were valid reasons, they were each rejected by God as such. Do we make the same excuses? “I need more talent/skill/ability!”
Exodus 3:10-12 -Who am I?
Exodus 4:1-9 -What if I’m not persuasive enough?
Exodus 4:10-17 -Slow of speech and tongue, need help

Judges
So often in the book of Judges, the judges of Israel simply used what was at hand. Often it was not what we would think of as ideal, yet with the Lord’s help, it was more than sufficient. How often do we complain that we have too few resources, and that they’re the wrong kind?
Judges 3:12-20 -Ehud is left handed, makes it work for him
Judges 3:21 -Shamgar had an ox-goad (pointy stick)
Judges 15:14-17 -Samson slays 1000 with a donkey’s jawbone

Ruth
If only we had more money! Ruth gleaned the fields behind the harvesters in order to eat. None of us are in that position, yet Ruth was noticed for her virtue and uprightness. She served God, even without earthly wealth.
Ruth 2:1-12 -Ruth left home, was poor, yet was virtuous

David
When David stood against Goliath, what was he equipped with? Not what we would expect! And yet, it was enough, with God.
I Samuel 17:38-39 -Saul tries to let David have armor
I Samuel 17:43-51 -David slays Goliath with a stone

Apostles
When the apostles are sent out by Christ to teach to Israel, they are specifically limited in what they can take with them. The point was made that they didn’t need great resources, but that with God, much could be accomplished without wealth and supplies.
Matthew 10:5-15 -The twelve are sent out…without supplies

Christ
In Christ, as always, we have our ultimate example. We look at His example and see many things that were not given to Him, as they are to us. Yet He served the Lord wholeheartedly, and accomplished much.
John 4:44 -A prophet is without honor in his own country
John 7:5 -His brothers did not believe in Him
Luke 9:58 -The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head