Well Known, Or Totally Forgotten

I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. Gen 12:2 (NLT)

In our text, the Lord promise to make Abraham famous (KJV – make his name great). Do you think is it is a good thing to be famous? Yes (but not infamous). If you are famous – you impact a lot of lives in some way – and God wants us to impact lives.

Earthly fame should not be the GOAL – it should only be a RESULT.

[Talk about fame… The pros and cons.] Fred Thompson, Law & Order, second in polls and hasn’t declared. Others, incognito etc…

Did you know that you are famous? Much like Abraham – the moment you decided to leave your old life, and follow God, your fame began.

THE ANGELS all know you!

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 (NIV)

They just don’t know your name. They throw a party about you – that’s significant. And even more so when they throw a party in your absence. Think about how famous you have to be for that to happen. Politicians, sports heroes… Why do we throw parties in famous people’s absence? Because we believe in them. We wish them the best. And we somehow understand that our world will be better because of their success!

For the same reason – FALLEN ANGELS also know you. Job (Job 1:8), Paul and Silas (Acts 16:17)

Jesus I know, and Paul I know… Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

But don’t worry – like any very famous person, you have bodyguards.

For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Psalms 34:7 (NLT)

Not only that – but THE FAITHFUL WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE know you.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Heb 12:1 (TLB)

Some people wonder – do my loved ones in heaven see me? Absolutely! They now have God’s perspective. And they – along with all of the others, are shouting encouragement to you from the grandstands.

You have a lot of fans. Just like the fans of any famous person – they are looking with wonder into your life:

Even angels long to look into these things 1 Peter 1:12 (NIV)

You might feel you are privileged to have angels… But I want you to know that they feel privileged to know you! I can hear the angels talking about THEIR workday... "I had [someone’s name] duty today…”

You have a big fan club. Your name is mentioned often. When you win a game – they are ecstatic. When you lose a battle – they mourn.

Have you ever known someone that was just a huge fan of somebody? It is amazing the things that they know about them! They’ll know their batting average, their height and weight, their favorite food, their shoe size, their family tree… Whatever.

I want to introduce you to YOUR BIGGEST FAN. This is the one who believes in you the most. This is the fan that talks about you the most. And it is incredible how well he knows you!

THE LORD knows those who are His… 2 Tim 2:19 (NKJV)

How well does he know you?

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt 10:30 (NKJV) (now that’s statistics!)

For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. Psalms 139:4 (NKJV)

Does he not see my ways and count my every step? Job 31:4 (NIV)

The Lord knows the days of the upright, Psalms 37:18 (NKJV)

How do you become famous? We already talked about the first moment – but other than that, simply remain faithful. Trust in the Lord.

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)

You might say – isn’t everybody on earth famous in that regard? Absolutely not! Take for instance, the devil and his angels:

Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

These sons of Sceva were trying to get by on someone else’s faith… (name of Jesus, WHOM PAUL PREACHES) Your parents can’t do this for you. Your pastor can’t do this for you. YOU must have a relationship with God. YOU must decide to trust God, and become famous.