Sermon: Extreme Commitment

Text: Genesis 22:1-19
(Chatham Corps – August 20^th, 1999 AM)

"In Kentucky, there is a huge rivalry in college basketball between the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. At one of the 'Dream Games' between the two schools, an elderly woman sat alone with an empty seat next to her. Someone approached her and said, 'Ma'am, I have rarely seen an empty seat in Rupp Arena, let alone at the Dream Game. Whose seat is this?'

"The woman responded that she and her late husband had been season ticket holders for twenty-eight years, and the seat had belonged to him. 'Well, couldn't you find a friend or relative to come to the game with you?' the person asked.

"'Are you kidding?' she replied. 'They're all at my husband's funeral.'"[1]

Commitment… not a popular word these days. Whether it be as small a thing as visiting your mother at least once a month, or as big a thing as waiting until you are married to have sex, it seems that the world does not want us to make any kind of commitment.

Commitment requires faith. Commitment requires trust. And Commitment requires discipline. Of course discipline, trust and faith are three more things the world is not eager to support.

George Barna is credited as having said “Commitment is viewed negatively because it limits our ability to feel independent and free, to experience new things, to change our minds on the spur of the moment and to focus on self-gratification rather than helping others. People willingly make commitments only when the expected outcome exceeds what they must sacrifice as a result of that commitment.”[2]

It is a sad statement to make that our society has come to the point where self-gratification has become more important than a commitment to basic principles of goodness.

Think of your heroes. They are committed to their goals. They are some of those who are honestly committed to doing something without counting the personal cost. They are not looking for personal gain from the results of their commitment. Instead they look at the affect for good in the outcome of the their actions.

If Jesus had looked at his crucifixion in terms of what he would get out of it, I am sure he would have left us in the garden of Gethsemane, or maybe become the triumphant king the Pharisees had expected him to be. Instead he sacrificed everything to die on a Roman cross so that we might have eternal life.

How many men and women have sacrificed themselves in times of war, for the greater good of those who remained at home? How many brave men and women sacrificed themselves to save others when the twin towers fell in New York? If their commitment had been less strong and they had wished to gratify only themselves, where would we be?

“Ah,” you might say, “but those were extreme circumstances.” And perhaps they were. But is commitment only required in extreme circumstances? Shouldn’t it be even easier then to make a small commitment when the circumstances are not so grave? Have a look at yourself and ask; “Would I be willing to make even a modest commitment no matter what the circumstances?”

THE COMMAND IS GIVEN

As we look at chapter 22 of Genesis, the first thing we see is that God was testing Abraham. Those of you who are fans of the King James Version will read “God did tempt Abraham.” I am afraid this is one of those times when we need a new translation of the original Hebrew. In the original, the word “nissah” is translated in the KJV as “tempt” and in the NIV as “tested.” Both are somewhat correct, but the implication of tempt is that God was trying to get Abraham to do what is evil, which was not the case. Rather, God was trying Abraham by fire to see what he was made off. He was testing him.

James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” So we understand that God’s intention with Abraham was not to have him do evil, but to mature him and make him complete.

But what was God was testing in Abraham?

Abraham must have been very confused by the command. Pagan tribes in Abraham’s day believed that a human sacrifice – often ones own child – would strengthen the gods they worshiped, and that doing so in times of trouble would often bring relief. But for God this was unimaginable. Abraham himself, though he obeyed God to the letter, is credited as having trusted that somehow God would not let this pass without bringing Isaac back.

In vs. 8, he prophesies without even being aware of it that God himself will provide the lamb for the sacrifice. In Hebrews 11:19, Paul credits Abraham as having believed God would raise Isaac from the dead.

Whatever the case, Abraham had faith to believe that though it seemed God was asking him to do something extremely difficult, and maybe even downright wrong, that God would not allow evil to happen. God was testing many things in Abraham’s life; his trust in God, his faith and his commitment to carry out what God wished.

And so, when the command was given, the command was obeyed.

THE COMMAND IS OBEYED

There is no record of Abraham ever questioning the command, or even a reflection of inner doubt. God simply makes the command, and Abraham the next morning wakes and obeys. He does not grumble or complain. He does not question God or argue with him. He doesn’t boast to others of his unprecedented commitment to God. He simply trusts that whatever God has in mind, He will work it out.

We can only speculate what must have gone on in Abraham’s heart. When his son asked him in vs. 7, “…where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” We can only imagine the conflict that must have arisen within him. Here was his favorite son – his only son by Sarah his wife – born in their old age and as a promise from God. Here was the son that Abraham loved so dearly, and God was asking Abraham to make a sacrifice of him? Surely Abraham must have been more than curious how God was going to work this one out – and how his heart must have been heavy as he knew there was the possibility that God would require him to go through with it.

Abraham followed the command to the letter. I suspect that there were tears in his eyes as he picked up the knife and raised it preparing himself for a deed that he would not even have thought of doing had it been his own will.

When God asks us to commit to him, he doesn’t expect us to be perfect. Nor does he expect us to go down a path that is impossible for us, but he does not guarantee that it will be an easy path. Abraham was capable of doing the task that God had asked him to do, but it was neither an easy path, nor one that Abraham would have chosen to go down of his own free will.

When Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: "We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?" According to a member of his family, Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all."

Would Joshua have chosen to march around the walls of Jericho once for six days, then seven times on the seventh day, blowing rams horns? I doubt he would have even considered that as a tactical plan to destroy the city, yet God in what seems foolishness to us, sometimes requires us to trust him.

And so, Abraham obeyed.

He steeled himself and went forward to do the task, which on the surface seemed to contradict his better judgement. In the end, however, that obedience was honoured.

THE OBEDIENCE IS HONOURED

Abraham did not have to sacrifice his son. God provided the sacrificial lamb. The results of the test: Abraham was credited for his commitment to follow God’s will. And Abraham’s faith and trust in God was increased immeasurably. It is one of those situations where at the beginning, it seems everything will be lost, and in the end everyone wins. You can’t ask for better.

Jesus commitment to us was like that. As we read in Philippians 2, He gave up all the glory of heaven to become a man. As if that were not enough, he gave up even that little which he still had to die on a cross for our sins – not his own sins because he did not have any sin within him – but all of our sins. He was committed to that task. He gave up all to do it for us and received only the love of those who accept his gift in return.

So, remember that question I asked earlier? “Would I be willing to make even a modest commitment no matter what the circumstances?”

What does God require of us? Commitment to a relationship with Him? Commitment to follow his commands? Commitment to preach the gospel to those who have not heard it? Commitment to a life of holiness?

There may be a cost involved in a commitment to Jesus. There may be sacrifices to be made. Today’s world is full of deception, greed, malice and a thousand other sinful vices. Are these not extreme circumstances? If you think about it, does it not require an extreme commitment to a cause of righteousness to make a change? Perhaps even a commitment on the order of Abraham, or Jesus?

So, what is your level of commitment to him?

CONCLUSION

Dr. Herbert Schaefer, a Canadian missionary who worked in India and Hong Kong once told the story of a debate, which broke out on a farm. The debate was raised between a hen and a pig. The topic of the debate was "Involvement and Commitment are equal". The hen argued, "if someone is willing to get involved, that means they are committed."

The pig said, "No, I don’t think so. Getting involved is far from ready to commit." But neither could convince the other of their point of view. Then they heard the voice of the farmer’s wife. "Honey, what would you like for breakfast? Ham or Egg?" The farmer replied, "I prefer ham."

Then the pig told the hen, "You see, when you lay an egg, you are involved in the breakfast. But we are committed to the breakfast when we are eaten as ham."

Do you see the difference? Are we just involved Christianity, or are you committed? Are you ready to commit and sacrifice yourself for the service of the Lord?

What to hear more?

 

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[1] “May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful”, Robert Russell

[2] George Barna, The Frog in the Kettle, (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1990), 35

Sermon: Get Off the Fence

Text: Joshua 24:1-27
(June 13th, 1993 AM - South Shore, QC, Senior Soldier Enrolment)
(May 16^th, 1999 AM – Prince George Corps, BC)

In Ecuador, 1967, a manufacturer of a foot powder called Pulvapies decided to use the slogan "Vote for any candidate, but if you want well-being and hygiene, vote for Pulvapies." Then, on the evening of the municipal election, the company distributed a leaflet the same size and colour as the official voting papers, saying "For Mayor: Honourable Pulvapies." When the votes were counted, the town had elected Pulvapies Mayor by a clear majority.

Perhaps Ecuadorian voters are not the best informed before an election, but this entertaining story teaches us something. There was either an ignorance of the candidates in the election, or perhaps there was a disrespect for the electoral process. We think in North America that we are better informed, and respect democracy, but are either of those things that much different outside of Ecuador?

In Joshua 24, Joshua is calling the people to an election. They are called to vote for the one true God, our Lord, or cast their ballot for some other god they have run into in their travels. As part of his election campaign, Joshua recites for the people all the things God has done for the nation of Israel, from the time of Abraham, through to his contemporary times. And then he challenges them. In this election, there can be no fence sitting. Not voting for God is a vote for the other party. There is no way to spoil the ballot, and no way to abstain from voting.

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." says Joshua, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

That same challenge rings in our ears and hearts today. As we look at the passage, can you see yourself standing in the crowd at Shechem listening to Joshua’s plea? And when it came time to vote, would your answer to Joshua’s challenge be the same as theirs? "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other God's" (v16), or would it be the much stronger "We will serve the Lord" (v21)? Or would you turn away and follow other pursuits and your own chosen God’s?

That is an important question that we must answer. One day the election will come for us, and we will have to live with the consequences of our vote. But I have another question. Why did Joshua first tell the people that they could not serve God and then make a covenant with them to do the very thing he had just told them the could not do? Let's take a closer look at the chapter.

IN GOD'S STRENGTH

In the first thirteen verses of Chapter 24, Joshua spells out the history of Israel in detail. From the time God reached into Ur of the Chaldeans and took the patriarch Abraham out of a pagan nation, to the plagues wrought upon the Egyptians to prompt Israel’s release, to driving entire nations out of the land that had been given to them. All these things God did for them. None was accomplished in Israel’s own strength. It was all God’s doing.

In fact, when the Israelites did not follow God, they ran into trouble. When they did not follow him, they became captive to Egypt. When they turned away after they escaped Egypt, they wandered in circles in the desert for forty years before finding the Promised Land. So many times, they angered God by turning their backs on Him.

Along the way, and in their travels, the Israelites picked up many things. They acquired wealth and possessions. They also confiscated idols from the nations they conquered.

Now, as things were beginning to settle down again, their loyalty to God was beginning to waver once again. Some were worshipping the idols of the other lands, others simply kept the idols in their homes as keepsakes. When they were asked about these idols, they explain that they liked the craftsmanship – they were decorative. And when they were asked about the religion the idol represented, they perhaps said with an air of cultural superiority, "That’s their religion, leave them alone, it's fine as long as they don't bother me."

Hmmm, sound familiar? Does it challenge your heart as much as it mine? Perhaps some of you have a Buddha on their mantelpiece and never thought twice about what it represents to millions of Buddhists around the world, and how it disappoints the one true God.

God has done so much for us and will continue to, but he requires us to serve him with everything we have, and to serve him only. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man enters into the kingdom but by me." (John 14:6) It’s time to cast your vote, and there will be no fence sitting. Either you are for Him or you are against Him.

FENCE SITTING

Today in Canada is not like it was fifty years ago. We cannot call ourselves a Christian country any more. Along the way, we have picked up foreign gods. The god of the Muslims, the god of the Mormons, the twin gods Yin and Yang, the Buddha's, the Krishna's.

Joshua certainly didn't allow any fence sitting in the house of Israel. He called for action. Either follow the Lord God, or leave, and if you are going to follow the Lord God, then throw away the idols that you have picked up along the way and "serve him with all faithfulness." (v14)

Our God is still a jealous God. He still commands us to: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind." If you can honestly say that you do, then there is no room for any foreign gods. Today's world still faces us with the same challenge as it did the people of Israel. Perhaps the things that are so easy to worship are no longer idols made of brick or wood, or gold, but perhaps our idols are much less tangible and at the same time more dangerous: wealth, greed, power, health, drugs.

I am reminded of the song we used to sing as children in Sunday School: "Root them out, Get them gone, all the little bunnies in the field of corn: Envy, Jealousy, Malice and Pride, they will never in my heart abide." God calls us to lead pure lives and serve Him, and we cannot let the world take control where only God should rule.

Of course, Joshua didn't intend that everyone should give up their herds and crops and mercantile to become priests. What he intended was that everyone should serve The Lord wherever they were, doing whatever they did best.

All of us are called to serve the Lord God in exactly the same way - wherever we are, doing whatever we do best for His glory. It does not mean that we should all give up our jobs and rush to be full time ministers, or pastors. But wherever we are, we should offer up to God whatever it is that we do and do it as if doing it for Him - in His name and for His Glory.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS - TOOLS

Just for a moment, let’s take another look at Joshua’s first call to the people. The response of the people was half hearted at best. The people said, "we will serve the Lord". In reality, it was more of a reluctant “OK, we’ll do it.”. Their trust was based on the history of Israel that was just recited to them. It was the logical choice. It made sense in an investment kind of way, but their hearts were wholly sold on the idea. Their decision was not based on a real love for God.

Today, many claim to be Christians without the slightest idea what it really means to follow Jesus Christ. Sounds logical. Makes me feel good. It’s a good set of moral standards. OK, I’m a Christian... But Joshua's response to the half-hearted Israelites was "You are not able to serve the Lord." He knew that they were not ready. He knew that, although they had chosen the right side, they were not ready to serve God adequately.

The Israelites may have been just as surprised at Joshua as the crowd was in Jesus in Luke 14 when he stated "If anyone Comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brother and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple."

Perhaps the translation is a little strong, however, or at least the understanding is slightly different. The Greek word in Luke translated "hate" in this verse (miseo) could also be translated "to love less" – in other words, we must love God more than anything else. More even than our closest family, or even our own life. Unless we put God first, we cannot serve God.

Why is this so? Consider this: Christ died for you. He loved you so much that he was willing to give up his life on that cruel cross. Should he not expect that our own hearts should be just as dedicated to Him?

Joshua tells us that God is a holy God, a righteous and a jealous God. God requires so much from us, in fact, that it is impossible for us to fulfill our obligation to him completely. We are, in fact, inadequate for the job. And without a wholehearted effort, we cannot even come close. Accepting God’s gift because it is logical or proper is like accepting the Law of God without the grace of God and there is no way that we can adequately fulfill the law of God.

So how can we ever hope to satisfy God? We can’t! It is only by the grace of God that we are saved. The free gift that God has given us and is giving us. How can that have any response than a heart fully given over to him?

It was only by the grace of God that the Israelites defeated the enemies listed in the first paragraphs of chapter 24, and it was only by the grace of God that they would be able to serve him going forward.

It is only with the grace of God that all of our efforts on His behalf are more than empty offerings. We are inadequate witnesses. We are inadequate in our care for the poor and the sick. We don’t come close in serving as His hands and His feet in a world that needs salvation. We come nowhere near worshipping Him in all his power and glory. But God has given us the grace of Jesus Christ to "fill in the gaps" when we fall short.

We can only truly serve God adequately if we get ourselves off the picket fence and serve him whole heartedly. And as we do, He supplies us with enough grace for all our needs.

That is the message of the Gospel. That God Loves you. That he loves you so much that he was willing to sacrifice all for you. That is the message that we share with others – that our hearts are overwhelmed by his grace and goodness and that we want others to have what we have – hearts filled with the Love of God.

COVENANT

Matthew Henry tells us in his commentaries on Joshua “Those that are bound for heaven, must be willing to swim against the stream. They must not do as the most do, but as the best do. And no one can behave himself as he ought in any station, who does not deeply consider his religious duties in family relations.”

The Israelites relationship with God had to be deep and binding. When the people said "We will serve the Lord" Joshua said "You are witnesses to yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord" The people entered into a covenant relationship. Not one signed on a piece of paper or witnessed before other people, but a covenant binding the heart of God to the heart of the people. A covenant which made God their saviour and the people His servants.

CONCLUSION

This morning, how does your covenant relationship stand with God? How is your commitment to Him and to His service, wherever you are, whatever you do? Will you cast your vote for God? Will you not only say that it is the right thing to follow God, but also commit your heart wholly in His service?

Perhaps you have picked up idols in your travels. In the words of Joshua: "Throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, God of Israel.”

When the Israelites followed, God gave them a land they did not labor for. It was given out of grace and the goodness of God, which was sufficient for all their needs.

Today, God offers you the same free gift. Will you choose to follow Him with all your heart, or will you turn away? Will you say you are a follower of the one true God, or will you live like one?

Today, choose whom you will serve? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.