Sunday, I was able to enjoy worshipping with them with their faith family at Christ Community Church. I was challenged in deep ways by their pastor Blake’s message on a more than familiar passage in Luke 9 entitled “How High Can You Count”. Check it out:
“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.”
Pastor Blake challenged us to consider some things he saw in the text:
Everyone wants to be included in the count.
We often don’t count the cost of being on Jesus’ team... what will it cost us?
It will cost us TIME
It will cost us COMFORT
It will cost us our INDEPENDENCE... what did Jesus provide?
Jesus provided EVERYTHING for the twelve’s trip.
Jesus provided ENOUGH
Jesus provided EXACT number of baskets!
Besides realizing there were twelve baskets left over for the twelve (which I probably have heard "for the first time" a few times in my lifetime...I forget so easily)… what really got me were the four little words in the text, “And they did so,…”. The disciples were questioning Jesus about what to do in this chaos and he simply said, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so… Would you take a look at all that Pastor Blake pointed out? Following Jesus costs the twelve time, comfort and independence. He provided everything, enough and even exactly the number of baskets for them. They were all in! And walking so closely with Him. They were able to hear His actual voice. Can you even imagine? I try all the time.
Lord, I’ve been trying to listen for Your voice in the chaos in my own life. I deeply yearn to hear Your voice. I may be hearing it, but confusing it with other things. Would You tell me what You would have me do (or not do). I’m so beyond ready to DO SO - whatever You ask!
“I count on one thing - the same God who never fails, will not fail me now. You won't fail me now!
In the waiting - the same God who's never late, is working all things out. You're working all things out
Yes I will lift You high in the lowest valley. Yes I will bless Your name!
Oh, yes, I will sing for joy when my heart is heavy! All my days, Oh, yes, I will”
Song Video: https://youtu.be/ryFS_3eBq6s
Worship Service: https://www.youtube.com/live/fuVxtqa-5y4?feature=share 34:44 message follows prayer
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