LESSONS FROM THE WILD WEST!
LEWIS AND CLARK: WHERE THE MAP ENDS THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Hebrews 11:1-10
INTRO
We are in a series called “Lessons from the Wild West.” Two weeks ago we looked at: “Buffalo Bill Cody” (10:1-15) and saw that he, just like the disciples of Jesus, was a common ordinary man who seized the opportunities given him and did remarkable things. We learned that God wants to use us ordinary people is extraordinary ways too.
Then we look at “Remember the Alamo!” from Matthew 10:16-33 and saw that following Christ was based on loyalty and sacrifice rather than ease and comfort. We live for a cause which is bigger than ourselves.
Next week we will look at “Lessons from Sheriff Pat Garret” (10:34-42)
But today we will move out of Matthew 10 for the week and look at another team who made their name in the Wild West … Lewis and Clark.
Hebrews 11:1-10
(1) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (2) this is what the ancients were commended for.
(3) By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
(4) By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
(5) By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
(7) By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
(8) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he live in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
There are significant times in every nation, every person, and every church (or any entity for that matter) that prove to be times of questioning, transition and change. Different people respond differently. They work with the skills and tools they have. As Christians, we too must respond in faith and obedience as things around us change and force change.
I doubt there is anyone here who does not believe our world is in the midst of one of those large fundamental shifts that alters everything. It has been going on for a generation or so and no one yet knows what the “new normal” will look like yet.
This is not the first time in the history of God’s world that big changes have happened … even changes this big … and maybe we can discover some Biblical principles to assist us as we look at Hebrews 11 and the journey of Lewis and Clark.
Like them, we will discover that: WHERE THE MAP ENDS THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
At the turn of the nineteenth century (1804) two men, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, found themselves on the journey of a lifetime. What Lewis and Clark did not fully grasp was how their search for a waterway across North America would fundamentally change and expand our nation…a nation which up to this point had 2 of every 3 citizens living within 50 miles of the Atlantic Ocean.
One year after embarking on the journey from St. Louis, up the Missouri river, Lewis and Clark found themselves in what is now North Dakota; they were charting heretofore uncharted land.
Rumors abounded about what they would find; volcanoes, woolly mammoths, blue-eyed Indians, and the lost tribes of Israel were common beliefs. Rumors abound as to what we will find too. But, like with them, “Where the map ends, the adventure begins!
You know the story of Lewis and Clark. You know their place in American history. That is why they make an ideal couple for us to glean principles from as we come to the end of a map….and prepare for the adventure to begin!
I notice it is important to:
1. PREPARE WITH FLEXIBILITY
When Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis, he was given about 1 year to gather his supplies, his team, and the needed knowledge to make the adventure. Lewis knew he could never prepare adequately in 12 months and so, among other things he prepared for the unknown. How? He learned the most effective scientific updates; namely Zoology, Botany, and Cartography.
Lewis motivation was to learn foundational things which he could use when the familiar dissipated.
• By learning zoology he could describe and decode wildlife
• The same applied to botany with plant life
• And Cartography gave him the skills to read the stars, make accurate maps, etc.
As you and I accept our Commission from Our Lord we too must plan for the unknown. Let’s face it, “the times, they are a changing” We will be FORCED to adapt to a new way of living and ministering in America … but as you have heard me say before “change is inevitable, growth is optional”.
Meriwether Lewis gives us an important clue for the future…FOCUS ON THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE FOUNDATIONAL – WHICH WILL NEVER CHANGE – AND THUS SECURE YOUR ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE AND HANDLE THE UNKNOWN EFFECTIVELY.
What things are fundamental to the Church and adaptable to any environment? What is our Zoology, Botany and Cartography?
A few that come to mind:
1. That the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are capable of delivering any man from sin.
2. That the Holy spirit of God can still impart life and new life; thus make new creatures out of us all.
3. That an interior spirituality (a close and intimate walk with God) is critical to maintain composure and equilibrium during times of chaos and confusion.
4. That prayer is still the power source behind effective ministry.
5. That proclaiming the Gospel boldly is still the way that God spreads His good news.
Like the saints who went before us and like Lewis and Clark we must:
1. PREPARE WITH FLEXIBILITY
2. PREPARE FOR TIMES OF CONFUSION AND QUESTIONING
Meriwether Lewis knew there would be many times on his journey into unmapped territory when he would not have a clue as to where he was or what to do. So he hired William Clark. William was a frontiersman and a commander. There were times when he would be more comfortable in the surroundings than Lewis who was the secretary to the United States President.
On many occasions Clark would take the lead. And he would know exactly what to do. But even Clark had his limits, he had never been west either. So Clark himself would hire scouts. He had an excellent rapport with Indians, etc. And was a great asset to the team.
What the soldiers never knew was that Lewis had made Clark a co-captain. Clark was referred to as Lieutenant by the soldiers but in reality he was made an equal to Lewis. The secret was kept because the soldiers felt a loyalty to Lewis and this would bring a sense of division. But, non-the-less, in his wisdom Lewis gave Clark equal decision making power.
This was important because Lewis recognized that it would require more than himself to take him somewhere he had never been before. So Clark would gather up local scouts and guides familiar with the territory and they would see their way through.
Have you heard yourself mumble the words “what is the world coming to?” lately? I have. That’s a good sign you are in unmapped, unfamiliar territory. That is a good sign that you need a good guide.
God has always proved to be an effective guide. Hebrews 11 illustrates this well.
• He led Abel
• He directed Noah
• He pointed the way for Enoch
• He navigated for Abraham
All of which were in unmapped territory.
You are in good hands as you rely on God as guide. He will give you the necessary tools to navigate the new territory ahead. You can go with confidence!
Like the saints who went before us and like Lewis and Clark we must:
1. PREPARE WITH FLEXIBILITY
2. PREPARE FOR TIMES OF CONFUSION AND QUESTIONING
3. PREPARE FOR THE EXPEDITION TO BE HARDER THAN EXPECTED
The day came for Lewis and Clark when all their previous approaches to new Indian tribes failed. Up until now they were relatively well accepted by the West Territories residents; they received help, food and acceptance. But the Indian tribes all told them rumors of a warring tribe just up the river which would not be responsive to them – the Teton Sioux. In fact within a week of Lewis and Clark’s arrival to the Sioux territory the Sioux expanded their borders by massacring some Omaha and scalping 65 of them.
Sure enough, the day came. With surprise and no forewarning, the small band of US Commissioned adventurers were surrounded. Clark’s canoe was commandeered, and the Indians had bow and arrows raised. The soldiers, in response raised their muskets; Clark spun the cannon and aimed it at the chief. A stand off that seemed like hours took place and eventually a Sioux Chief (who had to make the first move since they were the aggressors and held the upper hand) spoke and invited Clark to talk. This was a perilous time for the adventurers. They came within moments of failure and death. But as it ended up a truce was agreed upon, gifts were exchanged, and the crew was allowed to pass through Sioux territory.
AS WE NAVIGATE UNMAPPED TERRITORY WE WILL ALSO HAVE SOME STRANGE ENCOUNTERS IN STRANGE LANDS. THE TRIP WILL BECOME TREACHEROUS AND HARD. THAT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ENEMY WHO WILL BATTLE OUR EVERY DISCOVERY.
On another occasion Lewis hoped that they were about to arrive at the westward river which would swiftly take them to the ocean. But, to make a long story short, his hopes were dashed when he climbed the mountain only to find a huge mountain range in front of him and not a river or even the ocean. Lewis was actually only near what is now Great Falls Montana and approaching the Great Divide – the most grueling part of the corps’ expedition, the year they documented as their worst and hardest, was yet to come.
We must not naively think we will have a smooth journey. We must stay close to our Guide and rely on our flexibility and our skills to see us through. In most cases we will see it through to the other side in unexpected ways. We will marvel at the creativity of our God and revel in His capacity to see His plan through to the end.
God’s people have never had it easy.
• Abel died
• Noah was ridiculed and forced to start life over for the whole human race
• Abraham had to travel without compass or map and had no concrete way to know when he had actually arrived at His destination!
But God saw them through – and He will see us through our unmapped territory too.
Like the saints who went before us and like Lewis and Clark we must:
1. PREPARE WITH FLEXIBILITY
2. PREPARE FOR TIMES OF CONFUSION AND QUESTIONING
3. PREPARE FOR THE EXPEDITION TO BE HARDER THAN EXPECTED
4. PREPARE TO RUN OUT OF RESOURCES
They began their adventure some 2 ½ years earlier. Throughout that time idealism vanished and at times survival became the motivation. Survival is a good motivator. Desperate times call for desperate actions and there were times when the Lewis and Clark expedition got DESPERATE!
While crossing the Great Divide and navigating mountains that went straight up, and fighting snowfalls in September, the corps began to panic. Especially when the food ran out and they had nothing but roots and water from the creek.
On one occasion they neared death. How did they survive? The Nez Perce, an Indian tribe who got their names from having pierced noses, came to the rescue. The corps stayed with the tribe for a few months, built new canoes, regained strength, and the chief himself showed them how to get out of the Mountains and where to find the fabled Columbia River.
We are not dependent on our own resources…. Thank God! God has plenty and will supply all our needs according to his riches and mercy in Christ Jesus.
WRAP UP
Like the saints who went before us and like Lewis and Clark we must:
1. PREPARE WITH FLEXIBILITY
2. PREPARE FOR TIMES OF CONFUSION AND QUESTIONING
3. PREPARE FOR THE EXPEDITION TO BE HARDER THAN EXPECTED
4. PREPARE TO RUN OUT OF RESOURCES
5. PREPARE FOR THE JOY WHEN THE END IS IN VIEW!
One Historian talks about “Lewis’ geography of hope clashing with the geography of reality.” This changed Lewis’ approach to the expedition. This happened in the midst of the journey.
Chances are, if we employ
• A determined sense of flexibility
• Local guides who know the path
• A spirit of faith which will see us through the hard times
• And a conscious reliance on God for the needed resources
We too will see changes in the ministry as we go along. It is only if we choose to stop and set up a permanent camp that no change, and no-thing will happen.
The most famous entry in Lewis’ journal was written about 4,162 miles into the expedition. The fog lifted one morning over the channel they were following and they saw nothing but water as far as the horizon! They were in a bay in Oregon, the water tasted brackish, and the ocean was only miles ahead!
The journal entry read “O! What Joy!”
We are headed into unmapped land. We are headed into territory that makes us say “What’s this world coming to” But if we will approach it with a sense of wonder, excitement, and adventure we will find ourselves in good company. And experience a successful conclusion.
You can curse the darkness or you can praise the “Light”.
I have chosen to walk in and praise the Light!
(1) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (2) this is what the ancients were commended for.
(3) By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
(4) By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
(5) By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
(7) By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
(8) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he live in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Those Who Has Ears to Hear
Let Them Hear
This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
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Children’s Sermon
The Vine and the Branch*
Scripture: John 15:5
Sermon Objective: to show the need to remain intimately connected to Jesus
Sermon prop: varying degrees of dead branches
Recently I was working in the yard and I found this branch underneath a tree. I guess it had been broken off by the wind. As you can see, the leaves have all started to wither and die. I also found this branch nearby. As you can see, there are no leaves at all. It is completely dead. In fact, I wouldn’t even call it a branch, I would call it a stick.
Do you think that if I took these branches out into the yard and planted them in the ground and watered them they would come back to life? No, that wouldn’t work, because the branches get the nutrients that they need to live from the tree. Branches cannot live or grow without the tree. Without the tree, there will never be leaves on the branches. If the branch comes from a fruit tree, there will never be fruit on the branch if it is separated from the tree. If I take this dead branch and plant it in the ground and water it, it won’t come back to life, it will just be an old stick in the mud.
That same thing is true about our life with Jesus. Listen to what Jesus said, "I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
If we keep our life connected to Jesus, we will grow. Our life will produce beautiful leaves and delicious fruit. But if we are separated from Jesus, our leaves will wither and die and we will never put forth any fruit.
What will your life be? Will you be a beautiful branch on the tree...or will you just be a stick in the mud?
Dear Jesus, help us to remember that apart from you, we can do nothing. Amen.
* This children’s sermon idea comes from: http://www.childrensermons.com/
This Children’s Sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
