Sermon Illustrations

[101]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – GOD OF SMALL THINGS

Some people like to think big. There is this fallacy that big is better, especially in the American culture. God does not work with big. He uses availability, particularly in His children.

I once preached on this topic showing that God uses the weak and small things for His glory. A lot of Christians think they can’t do much in the kingdom of God, and conclude themselves as useless when they see the forwardness of some, or the talents others of their friends have. That causes a retiring from the Lord’s work. It ought not to be.

All God used to create the universe was a spoken word. {{Hebrews 11:3: ”By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”}} God never despises your gift or ability or your act done for Him no matter how small. The widow’s mite was a greater gift than the riches of the rich. This poem is meant to portray how God will use small things to accomplish big things. Never be afraid to use your widow’s mite in what the Lord has given opportunity for. It is a simple poem but with a strong message.

I think that Hebrews verse is amazing. It says the things we see are not made from things that are visible. It is talking about molecules and atoms. God is way ahead of man.

The accent is on the second syllable in the odd lines, 1, 3, 5, 7 and on the first syllable in all the even lines and It has to be read properly.

King Saul was an example here for this subject – {{1 Samuel 15:17 Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel and the LORD anointed you king over Israel,”}}. Little and humble is blessed but big and proud is a curse before God.

ONLY 5 LOAVES AND 2 FISH. {{Matthew 14:17-20 and they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me,” and ordering the multitudes to recline on the grass He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave to the multitudes, and they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.”}}

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GOD OF SMALL THINGS

It did not take a foreign army,

Or a thousand swords,

Or some sophisticated weapon

From some pagan hordes -

One rounded pebble is all it took,

Chosen by that lad,

To win a victory for Israel -

All its army glad.

=========================

It did not take a nation’s convoys;

Food trucks - none were there.

No careful planning how they’d feed them,

Nothing anywhere.

One small boy’s lunch was God’s own choosing -

Miracle that day,

To feed that hungry crowd there gathered -

God’s select gourmet!

=========================

It did not take a managed forklift,

Or a fire brigade;

No SES or police involvement -

Nothing which to aid.

But Ebedmelech was concerned for

Jeremiah’s plight.

Old rotting rags and rope he gathered -

Hauled him to the light.

=========================

All power rests with God who made us -

Made the universe.

Old clothes, a lunch and one true pebble -

Three things all diverse.

Yet God was pleased to use these small things:

Glory gained from such.

In men’s eyes small things of no value -

With them God does much.

=========================

Would all you have to God to offer

Only rate as small?

He’ll take and magnify your talents,

Take and use them all.

Take note, He is the God of small things -

Never be ashamed!

If what you have you think is minor,

It’s by God acclaimed!

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18 March 2006 Ron Ferguson 9-5-9-5-9-5-9-5

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