Monday, February 27, 2012

Sunday Morning Series - Steady or Stubborn - God's Measuring Stick


Text: Luke 16:10-13, Exodus 24:1-14, Daniel 5:24-28


We're looking at Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Hur to see how God measures a man. If God measures us by a certain measuring stick, we'd better find out what He's using. It doesn't matter if you agree or not with His standard.


When Moses was sent to Egypt, Aaron was his assistant. Yet later on, we see Joshua and Hur filling that role.


God calls Moses up into the mountain. Moses brings Joshua and some others with him part way. They're up there for awhile, and the Children of Israel get restless. They were resistant to God, and they yielded easily to pressure. Aaron was given the job of dealing with any problems while Moses and the others were away.


The people demanded that Aaron make them a god. Instead of standing firm and restraining them from their plans, Aaron instructs them to bring gold, prepares it, and fashions a golden calf.


Hur was also left to deal with the people, yet he's not mentioned. Jewish historians believe the people killed him during the revolt because he refused to agree to their plans and tried to stop them. Obviously, this could have caused fear in Aaron.


When confronted, Aaron blames the people and gives excuses. Moses holds him accountable for the situation. Thereafter, we see Joshua soaring ahead as Moses' assistant.


Hur is the husband of Miriam according to Josephus. Another source said he was her son, but I believe Josephus is more reliable. Hereafter, we only hear of Hur's sons.


Joshua was Commander in Chief of the army and does a good job. As Moses' assistant, he does whatever he's told to do. While he's waiting for Moses, he hears what he believes is warfare down below. You can imagine his agitation that he can't be there defending the people. He doesn't move from his spot though because Moses said to wait.


Application: Be faithful in your assignments whether you like them or not. Don't complain or speak evil of those you're serving. A person who is faithful is respectful. They don't usurp authority but wait until it is given to them.


1) Treat everything that is given to you as great. If you have a car or house, don't gripe about what's wrong with them. Appreciate all God's gifts.


2) Don't take what hasn't been given. Absalom seized the throne, but he could not hold it. He took what didn't belong to him, and it cost him his life.


3) Learn to follow instructions and wait.


Not everyone makes it onto great things, but that doesn't mean that everyone isn't intended for them. Make yourselves a vessel of honor, and promotion will come from God.


God measures us by our faithfulness.


At the moment, our website is undergoing changes. At this time, you can access the messages at http://zcf.sermon.net. Note there are two channels. The main channel contains all the Wednesday night teachings, while the other contains the Sunday messages. The podcast should not be interrupted at all, and the Facebook links are in working order.


If you're visiting the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA 18976. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686. We'd love to meet you!



No comments: