Today's Sermon "Don’t Do It Without Me"

Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11; First Peter 4:10-11; Isaiah 6:8

Good morning Strangers Rest. If you recall from my message last week, I talked about how you, as a Church, have come this far by faith. Next week we will celebrate the Church’s 99th anniversary and as I concluded my message last Sunday I asked you “Where do you go from here?” We know that God has a plan for this Church and that plan has been in existence since this Church was formed. Because you are here, His plan for this Church includes you. As a reminder, Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.” While we understand that God has a definite plan for this Church, each of you must decide if you want to be a part of His plan - doing so by faith since you do not know every aspect of God’s plan for this congregation. The title of my message this morning is, “Don’t Do It Without Me.”

If you were here before service started, you might have heard the song by Bishop Paul Morton titled “Don’t Do It Without Me.” In that song it says, “Lord whatever You are doing in this season, please don’t do it without me.” In other words, whatever the Lord is doing right now we have a desire to be in the midst of it. We have a desire to be a part of it. We want to be involved, regardless of what those around us might be doing. It is not about them; it is about our own personal desire to be a part of what the Lord is doing in this season. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, there was an increase in people attending Church. People felt vulnerable and they sought out the Church for comfort. They wanted the comfort that only comes through a genuine relationship with Christ. However, years later as the impact of that day became more of a distant memory, some reverted back to their pre-9/11 ways. Their desire for a closer relationship with Christ was overshadowed by a desire to “return to a normal lifestyle.”

I point this out so you understand that our decision to be a part of what Christ is doing is not a one and done decision. We must renew that decision with every “new thing” the Lord does. Just because you liked and participated in something the Lord did last year does not mean you will want to be a part of the next thing that He does. We must make the decision to be a part of what He is doing daily. And, once that decision is made and the work begins, do we commit to it? This is a heart issue because for many they only want to be a part of what Christ is doing if it fits within their schedule. So, I am asking each of you today, if your heart saying, “Lord don’t do it without me!” or are you saying, “Lord let me check my schedule and I will get back with You.”

Have you ever had a desire or opportunity to be a part of something special? You heard about something being planned and you were so excited about what you heard that you wanted to participate in it. At that point it did not matter what your role would be, you just wanted to be a part of it. In that moment you were all in to do whatever was asked of you. It did not matter what others were doing, you just wanted to do something. You just wanted to be a part of it. No role in the project was too small; you just wanted to contribute and be in the midst of it. That mindset is totally different from the mindset that says you will only participate in something if you can choose what your role is and if that role fits the self-image you are trying to portray. In other words, some roles would be beneath you. This is the mindset of some Christians when it comes to doing the work of the ministry and that mindset will hinder what God wants to do. This morning, I hope you will decide that whatever God is doing in this place, you do not want Him to do it without you because you are willing to use all your gifts and talents for His work. As Peter said, “(10) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (First Peter 4:10-11) We serve and use our gifts so that God can be glorified in everything that we do. We do not do it so we can receive recognition. We do it for the Lord because God needs us to partner with Him in the things He is doing.

Do you recall what is recorded in the sixth chapter of Isaiah? The prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 6:8, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I!” Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8) Strangers Rest, on the front of our program is a mission statement that says, this Church is “Raising the standard in Christian service through worship, preaching, teaching, healing and evangelism.” This is who we proclaim to the world to be. Now I want you to ask yourself, “What role am I playing in the fulfillment of this mission statement?” That statement, that profession of faith, was written and proclaimed for a reason. Do you not think that God had a hand in its development? Let us assume for a moment that God did inspire it. If we make that assumption, then God has sent people to this Church to fulfill the mission He has for this church. There have been people who have walked through these doors who were sent here to raise the standard in Christian service through the worship experience, the preaching and teaching of God’s word, healing, and evangelism. Now if God sent those people and some of you are still here, what role did God send you here to fulfill? And if part of your mission statement is not being fulfilled currently, are you as a congregation praying and asking God to send others to help you fulfill what He has called you to do?

Proverbs 29:18 from the Amplified Bible says this, “Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; but happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].” The mission statement of this Church represents the vision of what this Church is supposed to accomplish, and it is based on what the word of God tells us about our roles in His kingdom. This mission statement sets forth the conduct and activities that this Church is supposed to operate by. Everything that you do should tie back into your mission of “Raising the standard in Christian service through worship, preaching, teaching, healing and evangelism.” Everything! So, if you are doing things that do not help accomplish your stated mission, you must be honest with yourselves and ask why you are doing them. You must ask this question about every program and every activity that you do. Strangers Rest, your mission statement defines you and that is why every department should be able to explain how their ministry supports the mission statement. As you begin to walk into your future, you must determine if your mission statement, as currently stated, is still valid. And if it is still valid and defines what this Church is supposed to be doing (which I believe that it is and does), how do you ensure you are doing your part? Regardless of what has taken place in the past, are you ready to tell the Lord as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me!”   

Isaiah wrote, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8) Imagine if you will, the Holy Trinity having this conversation about Strangers Rest Baptist Church. When you read this can you see God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a deep conversation about Strangers Rest’s mission and the impact they see it having on the community? They are discussing the work that needs to be done and yet they did not have anyone to send to do it. Remember, whatever God gets done on this earth will be done through those who are willing to do it. God has given man the authority to act on His behalf on earth. He works through us. This is why Jesus told His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ (Matthew 6:10) God’s will can only be accomplished on earth when He has people willing to do His will. He needs us to work in partnership with Him to accomplish what He wants done on this earth. Now let me continue with what Isaiah heard.

Those listening to the discussion are all wondering with the Holy Trinity who would volunteer for the task at hand. No one raises their hand. No one steps forward. No one seems ready and able to take on this challenge. As they ponder the task at hand, God asks, “Who shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Can you see the consternation or dismay on the face of the Father as He ponders who would go and complete the work? Can you imagine what it feels like to see work that needs to be done but no one stepping forward to do it? Can you see the Father looking at someone asking, “Will you go?” and the person turning their head in shame? Can you see Him looking out amongst the members of Strangers Rest hoping someone would volunteer and no one comes forward? Can you imagine what the Holy Trinity is thinking knowing that what needs to be done in Strangers Rest requires that a person be willing to do it and no one wants the job? As the Father ponders this, all of a sudden from the back of the room comes a shout. Someone decides that if no one else would come forward he would. Isaiah says, “Here am I. Send me!” Can you see the smiles that come over the Holy Trinity as someone steps forward to take on a monumental work that no one else wanted? Can you see this? Is that person you? Isaiah was saying, “Lord, whatever you are doing in this season, don’t do it without me!” Are you saying that this morning? Do you have a desire to raise your hand to be singled out for the work at hand or do you want to be amongst the crowd and just mingle in so you can’t be seen or called upon? Do you want to be a part of what God is doing in this season?

There is a story in the New Testament that exemplifies what I am talking about this morning. Turn with me to Luke chapter nineteen and we are going to read about a man named Zaccheus. I want you to see an example of what it looks like to want to be involved; to be in the midst; to see Jesus at work. We will begin reading at the verse one. “(1) Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. (2) Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. (3) And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.”  (Luke 19:1-3) Jesus was passing through Jericho and there was a crowd of people around Him. While there were many in the crowd following Jesus, not everyone could see Him. I want you to see this.

If you have ever attended a parade and stood on the sideline you did your best to find a place where you could see the parade. The best spot would always be right on the front line. If you had 5-6 people standing in front of you then you would not be on the front line but in the middle. At that point if you were average height (or like those standing in front of you) you could see most of the floats in the parade by looking up as they went by. However, you could not see as clearly those walking in the parade because they would be at eye level. In this situation you would have two choices: move to a place where you could see better or just wait for the next float to pass by. Your decision would be based on why you were there. If you were there just to be a part of the celebration, then actually seeing the parade would not necessarily be as important to you because you were enjoying the moment with friends and family. This is how some people attend Church – they attend to just be a part of the worship experience. But, if you had a child in the parade and you were there to support them, you would do whatever was necessary to find a place where you could see your child and they could see you. In the first situation it did not matter if you saw the parade. In the second situation seeing the parade was all that mattered. Thus was the case with Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, meaning he oversaw the tax office at Jericho. Tax collectors were not held in high esteem by the Jews as they were seen as traitors by the Jews for collecting taxes for the Roman government. Also, they would often defraud their fellow Jews and collect more taxes than was required by law and pocket the difference and because of this, many were extremely wealthy. This is the man who wanted to see Jesus. He was a sinner. He was someone who was rich and yet he was poor spiritually and on his way to hell. When he heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho, he like the others in the crowd came out to see Him. But he could not see Jesus because he was small in stature. In other words, Zacchaeus was a short man. Imagine if you will a large crowd of people around Jesus and this short man cannot see Him. He is within the crowd and close to Jesus and yet he still could not see Him. Imagine him jumping up and down trying to see over the heads of the others in the crowd to no avail. No matter what he did, he was not going to see Him. Can you see this? At this point Zacchaeus had a decision to make. He could go home disappointed at having not seen Jesus; he could just stay with the crowd and just be a part of it; or he could do something totally undignified for a rich man. He chose the latter because, for Him, seeing Jesus was all he wanted to do that day. He did not want to be left out. Let us continue and see what he did.

“So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.” (Luke 19:4) Zacchaeus did the unthinkable for a rich man of those times. He ran ahead of the crowd so that he could get in front of Jesus. Then he climbed a tree so that his view of Jesus would be unobstructed. You must see this. His motivation to see Jesus was so strong that he refused to give up. He refused to give in. He refused to quit. He refused to allow the crowd to keep him from his goal. So, this rich man found a sycamore tree and climbed it. The Apostle Paul wrote something that reminds me of the motivation of Zacchaeus. He wrote, “(12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14) Zacchaeus pressed on to find a tree and when he found it he forgot about his reputation, his status of being rich, and everything else. He left it all behind him so he could climb a tree and see Jesus! Then after climbing the tree, he waited for Jesus to pass by. Imagine people walking by and seeing this rich man sitting in a tree. Imagine the gossip. Imagine what was being said about him acting in such an undignified way. I can tell you; Zacchaeus did not care! All he cared about was seeing Jesus. But the story does not end with him just seeing Jesus. Let us finish reading this story.

“(5) And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’ (6) So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. (7) But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.’ (8) Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.’ (9) And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; (10) for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:5-10) When Jesus arrived at the spot where Zacchaeus was waiting in the tree, He stopped. He looked up, and in front of all the people there, spoke to Zacchaeus. Jesus told him to come down out of the tree because He was planning to stay at his house. Zacchaeus hurriedly came down from the tree to take Jesus to his home. Some of the people within the crowd immediately started complaining about Jesus going into the home of a sinner. Everyone knew who Zacchaeus was and how he had treated them. Everyone knew how he had raised their taxes. Everyone knew how he had stolen from them. And what is important to understand is that Jesus knew this also. When Jesus saw him He told him he “MUST stay at his house!” Zacchaeus was important to Jesus! While others saw a man who was a sinner and deserved damnation, Jesus saw a sinner who needed salvation.

As soon as Zacchaeus was in the presence of Jesus he immediately confessed. There is a period of time that passes between verses seven and eight. Scripture does not tell us how long or what Jesus said to Zacchaeus during that time but whatever Jesus said to him, we see the results in verse eight. Zacchaeus told Jesus that he would immediately give half of what he owned to the poor and if he had taken anything from anyone by false means he would restore fourfold – he would give back four times what he took. This was what the Law of Moses required. Exodus 22:1 says, “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.” (Exodus 22:1) Zacchaeus was saved that day, and not only him, but his entire family. How did this happen? It happened because Zacchaeus did not want to be left out. Whatever Jesus was doing on that day, he wanted to be involved in it. He did not want Jesus to do it without him. To that end when he could not see Jesus, instead of turning around and going home, he climbed a tree. Instead of just following the crowd and being a part of it he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree. Instead of looking at his dignified life as a rich man, he forsook all of it and became undignified and climbed a tree. Zacchaeus climbing a tree saved his life and the life of his whole family. And through his salvation he enriched those from whom he had stolen, and he also supported those whom he did not know – the poor. Zacchaeus’ willingness to climb a tree impacted not only his life, but the lives of his family and the lives of his community!

Strangers Rest, next Sunday you will celebrate 99 years. You have witnessed some victories. You have seen God move within these walls. By faith, you have come a mighty long way, and God is not through with you yet. Yes, you have experienced some troubling times. Yes, you have lost members through the years for various reasons. Yes, you have experienced dry spells when it seemed like you had to fight just to make it through to feel the Spirit of God moving within you. But move He did. He never stopped empowering you even when you could not feel Him working. He never stopped desiring to use you even when you might have felt like you did not want to be used. He never stopped remembering you even when you felt forgotten. The Spirit never left your side so what you needed has always been available to you. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to “… hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

Strangers Rest, as you move beyond your 99th year, are you willing to tell the Lord, “Whatever you are doing in this season, don’t do it without me?” Are you willing to become like Zacchaeus and climb that tree? Are you willing to move from being obligated to being motivated; from being dignified to undignified in a righteous way? I do not know of a dignified way to climb a tree. Zacchaeus did not care about what people thought of him when he climbed that tree. He just wanted to be a part of what Jesus was doing in that moment. It is time to climb some trees! Do you want to be a part of what God is doing today? Are you ready to say, “Lord here am I, send me!?” Are you ready to do whatever God is asking of you even though you may think you are not capable just yet?

If you are scared to step out – climb that tree!

If you want to serve but do not feel qualified – climb that tree!

If you have been praying and praying – get up off your knees and climb that tree!

If you are tired, use the last of your strength to climb that tree!

If you are ready to give up and give in on what God has anointed you to do, climb that tree!

Just as Zacchaeus’ life and the lives of those around him were changed because he climbed a tree to see Jesus, the same can happen for us. Climbing the tree will place us above the situation so we can see clearly what is happening around us. Only when we can see clearly can we fully see Jesus and hear Him telling us to come down so He can spend some time with us. Are you willing to climb a tree or two in your life to have that one-on-one time with your Lord and Savior?

I will leave you with what is recorded in Proverbs 16:3. It says, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” When you decide to partner with the Lord and you commit your work to Him, God will then establish your plan to ensure you succeed in what you are doing for Him. When we get out of God’s way and just partner with Him, then He can work. Lord, whatever you are doing in this season, please don’t do it without me!

Until next time, “The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.”  (Numbers 6:24-26)