WHAT STOPS GOD?
MATERIALS NEEDED - ENVELOPES, PENS/PENCIL, AND INDEX CARDS FOR ALL KIDS.
TO BEGIN - PASS OUT A BLANK ENVELOPE TO EACH TEEN AND TELL THEM TO WRITE THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS ON THE FRONT OF THE ENVELOPE ADDRESSING IT TO THEMSELVES. WHY ARE WE DOING IT? I’LL TELL YOU LATER.
How many of you seen Captain America? At the end of the movie, there
is a sneak peak at the upcoming Avengers. Who is in the Avengers?
Some of the heroes are Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and Iron Man.
While this movie sounds really cool I wonder, who can stop these guys?
There are many things we would like to know how to stop.
How do we STOP viruses from getting on our computer?
How do you STOP from getting sick?
How do you get your teacher to STOP giving you homework all the time?
How do we stop wars from waging on?
How do you stop you sister from bugging you? How do you get your brother to leave you alone?
We look for wisdom on how we can STOP certain things in life.
Have you ever wondered what can stop God? Maybe something more
powerful than Him? No. Could something short circuit His power?
Maybe Satan could stop God. No. What stops God in His tracks?
That is what we are going to find out today.
On His way to the cross; His most important mission, Jesus is passing through a town called Jericho. He is determined to go to Jerusalem where He is going to the cross. His sights are set on accomplishing this mission that He had come for. There are crowds following Him. They are all pressing on forward together.
We will discover what stops God, and what should stop us as well.
Let’s read Matthew 20:29-34 and see what stops Jesus.
“29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” Matthew 20:29-34 NIV
While Jesus surely was a busy guy with lots of things to do and people to see, did you notice what stopped Him dead in his tracks? What stops Jesus is when His kids call out to Him.
IRRIGATION CHANNELS VERSUS PLAIN DITCHES
Irrigation channels flood and irrigate the fields. The irrigation channels are channels for the flood waters to flow through. The flood waters are stored somewhere far away from the field and when the channels are open, the flood waters just pour through them. Flood
waters are essential because they bring life and growth to the fields.
Plain ditches, on the other hand, have water in them from the rain. The plain ditches, however, can become stagnant pools of water filled with debris, and consequently, cannot be used for the life and growth of the fields.
In the plain ditches, there is only a short supply of water (because it comes from the rain), and it is most often not very useful because the waters become stagnant or polluted. Often the plain ditches get blocked with weeds, rocks, or other debris.
Today, a great tragedy, is that too many of us are like plain ditches instead of irrigation channels.
We want the blessings to rain down on us. “Fill me Lord. Fill me! Bless me! Give me…” But what happens if the water only flows inward and nothing goes out? The water begins to stagnate and become polluted. That is what we can become like, if we always have the fingers pointed inward.
What God wants is very different. He desires that we be like the irrigation channels. Not simply that He can bless to us, but through us. He does not just want to bless me, but He wants to bless others through me. And He designs me in that way too. If I only seek for
God to fill me, bless me, get stuff for me, do you know what happens to my faith? It becomes stagnant. Polluted. STINKY!!! HOW MANY OF YOU WANT TO HAVE A STINKY FAITH? NO. WE WANT TO HAVE A FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD. IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE MUST NEVER FORGET THE VALUE OF A SOUL!
While crowds are great, Jesus teaches us never to forget the value of
one soul.
I must focus on the one – Take out one finger and hold it up. The
value of one soul.
Let’s read another bible verse. This time from Luke 1.
“1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have
been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by
those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3
With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated
everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly
account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the
certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4 NIV
While it is true that Jesus thought of and preached to the big crowds,
Luke teaches me that Jesus never forgot the one. Remember where He
left the 99 sheep to go and get the 1?
Here is some bible trivia. Who wrote the book of Luke? That’s right! Luke!
Luke chapter 1 shows something of great Kingdom importance. Most people don’t know that Luke was not one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Luke was not an apostle. (YOU CAN TELL YOUR PARENTS THAT LUKE WAS NOT AN APOSTLE AND IT WILL IMPRESS THEM) Scholars say that he probably gave his heart to the Lord in a place called Antoich during one of Paul’s missionary trips many years after the crucifixion of Jesus. It is interesting to know that the Luke, who wrote the Gospel according to Luke, had never seen with his eyes the miracles that Jesus performed and never walked those old dusty paths with Jesus. He never shared food with the 5,000. He never witnessed the blind being made able to see or the demons being cast out. He never saw the dead brought back to life or Jesus going to touch the lepers.
It is also interesting that when he wrote the book of Luke, he was not writing to the masses. He didn’t write his book because he wanted it to be the most popular book ever written. He never wanted to make the New York Times Bestseller List. He wrote it so that his friend Theophilus would know Jesus.
Luke didn’t write to the masses. He wrote to Theophilus. He gave his best, did his homework, investigated the story of Jesus and wrote all of this down in order to help his friend get to know Jesus. Luke teaches us to remember the value of a soul.
DON’T BE A PLAIN DITCH, BE AN IRRIGATION CHANNEL.
Luke did not see what Jesus did, so he needed to investigate. His account involves his own personal investigation of the claims of Jesus. Luke finds Mary and asks her about the virgin birth. Really?
Was Joseph ticked off? Next he goes and finds the disciples. Jesus never walked on water, did He? He was actually swimming in the water right? Maybe he was swimming fast right? Nope. The disciples told him. Jesus was walking on the water. First we were scared because of the storm. Then we were really scared because we didn’t know it was
Jesus. We thought it was a ghost. Then we realized it was Jesus and we were still scared. Then Peter called out to Jesus and we were jealous that Peter got the chance to call out to Jesus, and we didn’t. Then we saw Peter walk on the water and we were scared again. Then we were jealous because Peter got out and did that and we were still sitting there. Then Peter started sinking and we all laughed! What about the feeding of the 5,000? Didn’t Jesus cater? Surely a bunch of people brought pot luck dishes. Nope… He only had lunchable’s from some kid.
Story after story, Luke investigated to tell his friend about Jesus.
That is what the book of Luke is all about.
Why did Luke do all of this? Why all the trouble to investigate the story of Jesus? Why did he go through all of the work and all of the writing? Simple; he recognized the value of a soul. He contended with the faith so that he could tell Theophilus about Jesus. Luke contended for the ONE SOUL!
Somebody, somewhere, somehow, has to fight for the one. Who is the ONE in your life? Who is the ONE; the Theophilus; that you need to reach? Maybe it is a friend at school. Maybe it is a cousin or a relative. Maybe it is that one kid no one else likes to talk to. Who is the ONE that God has put in your life to reach? Luke knew. He gave his very best to make sure that Theophilus would know Jesus. Who is it that you need to do your best, to make sure that they know Jesus too?
Did you know that Jesus always asks us to remember the value of a soul? Jesus preached to the crowds, but He always loved to reach the one.
Jesus teaches us always to remember the value of a soul. A lot of times at church, we fight for the crowds more than we fight for the one. We like to focus on making crowds of people, when Jesus wants us to focus on the one. Jesus would speak to thousands, but He never forgot to stop the mass ministry to help heal the one widow, the one demon possessed guy, the one woman in adultery, the one blind man, the one paralytic.
Someone once said it this way… “The great men and women of history
were great not for what they owned or earned, but for what they gave
their lives to accomplish.”
We often take the wrong things too seriously and the serious things too nonchalantly. Let me prove my point.
Take this quiz.
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world.
Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
How did you do? I didn’t do well either. With the exception of some trivia hounds, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday too well. Surprising how quickly we forget, isn’t it? And what I’ve mentioned above are no second-rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements
are forgotten.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one.
Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.
Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time.
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school.
Easier? It was for me, too. The lesson?
The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials in front of the biggest crowds, but the ones with genuine concern and care. Jesus never forgot that. Yes He spoke to the crowds, but He never forgot to contend for the One. The ones that made the greatest differences are the ones who were there for you when you were being tested.
Who are you being there for? Who is the one Jesus put in your life to reach? Who is your Theophilus?
The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the humdrum of day-to-day living.
The disciples were not thinking about themselves, but about Jesus and Him alone.
A few years ago, comic-book creator, Stan Lee and company created a 6-week reality-based television series entitled, "Who Wants to be a Superhero?"
As a part of their initial search, they sent out nationwide notices stating that they were looking for folks who have never lost that inner drive to be a Superhero.
These folks arrived in droves to tryout for this show. They arrived decked out as their own custom Superhero...complete with capes, utility belts, and weapons!
But it was the next challenge that really caught my attention!
Here’s a quick superhero refresher course…
As everyone knows, most superheroes have their everyday normal identity, like mild-mannered Clark Kent! But when Clark sees a dangerous situation, he immediately locates a telephone booth and changes into Superman and then whisks off to save the day!
Remember? Good!
Prior to this challenge, all of the superheroes on the show were given their own personal communicators and told to dress in their normal street clothes. They were also told to bring their superhero costume with them.
After arriving in a semi-crowded public place, Stan Lee gave them their briefing instructions...He said that when he individually contacts them on their communicators, they were to quickly find a private place to change and then swiftly run to a designated goal area in true superhero style!
Feedback was the first one to get the call...
He quickly changed behind a nearby Port-a-Potty and ran like the wind! But near the end of the public course, the crew had placed a young girl who was crying for her mother and shouting that she was lost.
Feedback raced by her without stopping! Whoosh!
Later…Monkey-Woman, complete with bananas on her utility belt, also
raced by her without stopping!
Major Victory, my favorite superhero of the group, stopped and said, "Where is the mother of this child?" After no response, he then asked her to climb into his arms and he carried her in true superhero style to help!
THREE other Superheroes (OUT OF TWELVE) stopped to help her, all knowing that this would ruin their chances of a good time on the course.
After the challenge was over, Stan Lee gathered the superheroes back together again for an elimination. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE CHALLENGE WAS NOT ABOUT WHO CHANGED CLOTHES THE FASTEST OR WHO RAN THE FASTST. IT WAS ABOUT SHOWING THOSE WHO REALLY HAD THE HEART OF A TRUE SUPERHERO.
Stan Lee was looking for those who would selflessly give of themselves and risk their own wants and needs! I think that is what God looks for too.
He said that the heart of a true superhero puts his or her, own goals aside to show love and compassion to others!
A true superhero for Christ is one with a heart like that…a heart that stops for the others. A heart that stops for the same thing that Jesus stops for!
The passion and compassion for someone who is hurting can never leave you.
For those of you who know Jesus today; Aren’t you glad that Jesus took the time to not only look at the large crowds, but paused for YOU?
To those of us who know Jesus, the Word today is, DON’T FORGET THE ONE. Take the focus off yourself and ask the Holy Spirit, “Who is the one that I need to reach?”
I must take the focus off of me. In Matthew 24, when it talks about the end times, the scripture says that “The love of most will grow cold.” That is 51% or more! Many will begin to focus on themselves and what they can get rather than thinking of others.
A lot of you are Christians in this room and if you are, let me ask you. Who is the "one" that you need to stop for? Who is the "one" that Jesus has put in your path for you to reach?
There are some of you today that may feel like part of a crowd and you need to hear that Jesus doesn’t just look at the crowds. He didn’t give His life for the crowds. He gave His life for you.
Others of us have forgotten that you are the ONE. Maybe you need to know that God stopped for YOU!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you came to give Your life for me. I turn away from my sin. Come into my heart. I receive You as my Lord to lead my life. I receive You as my Savior, to save my soul. I receive the forgiveness of my sin. Change me. Strengthen me. Make me more like You Jesus. In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.
PASS OUT A NOTECARD (INDEX CARD) TO EACH TEEN AND TELL THEM TO WRITE THE NAME OF A PERSON THEY WANT TO MINISTER TO ON ONE SIDE OF THE CARD. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CARD, WRITE A VERSE THAT WOULD ENCOUARGE THAT PERSON OR REMIND THEM OF THE PERSON. ALSO WRITE WHAT THEY WILL DO TO GIVE THAT PERSON SOME EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT
A HUG
A COMPLIMENT
AN INVITATION TO J-12 OR JUNIOR HIGH
AN INVITATION TO SIT WITH YOU FOR LUNCH AT SCHOOL
A CALL ON THE PHONE TO SAY “I’M THINKING OF YOU” OR TO OFFER SOMETHING
NICE TO SAY
A LETTER OFFERRING SOME KIND WORDS.
Then, they put the notecard inside the envelope, and seal it (I told them this is confidential) and gave their envelopes to us leaders. Once all had turned in their envelopes, we prayed over them.
Tell the teens we would be sending these out to them sometime in the coming weeks or months in order to remind them of the challenge we made to them. They will not know when the envelopes will come, but we will probably wait about three to four months before we send them out to them. This will remind them to continue to minister in case they forget.
