21/2/2021Sunday Service                                                                                                                                                                www.lifechurchmissions.com

Insignificant Yet important <Ex 1:15-21; 2 Ki 5:1-3,15; Jdg 3:31>

Prelude: We humans like to put our attention on big matters and important people. Because "big things" tend to give people a sense of success and superiority. Actually, it is also not wrong for believers to want to do big things for God, but the problem is, we will easily see that because the things we can do are only small things, hence we get discouraged or we lose the motivation, or we see how others can do great things for God and then we feel inferior and start to retreat. Eventually, we become very sloppy and undisciplined in matters relating to God's kingdom or gradually live a self-centred life thinking that we cannot do anything for God anyway. Frankly speaking, most believers are not involved in dynamic or spectacular ministries. This is not because they do not submit to God but it is related their calling. After all, not everyone is being called to be a Moses or Paul. Only a small number of believers may possibly stand on the world's stage to do great things for God. But an even greater number of believers are just ordinary believers. Of course, that does not mean that since this is the case, we do not need to try too hard and it is enough to just let those who are more gifted or co-workers working full-time in church to do the great things for God. Actually, before a believer can do great things for God, he has to first start from being submissive to God in many small and unremarkable things, be faithful to God and after going through the test of "small things" he can then be used by God to do "great things". Although we are not perfect and may not necessarily be able to so great things but we believers should at least have a heart to try doing small things to please God. Because it is when our minds continue to think of what we can do for God's kingdom (no matter how small the matter), then our hearts will not be easily taken captive by the world, and we will not go into a mentality where we live only for ourselves and our family. In fact, God values "small things" and "insignificant characters", and can use small things to glorify His name and fulfil His plan. 

 

1. The examples in the bible

1) The midwives at the time of Moses’ birth <Ex 1:15-21>

The most powerful person in the kingdom gave a command to two lowly women. But amazingly, more than fearing the Pharaoh, they revere God. In the eyes of people, these two midwives are ordinary, insignificant women. Who would have thought that God will use them to preserve God’s people – the infant boys of Israel. Perhaps, we are an ordinary character in the world, but our steadfast faith will bring about great impact, just like how the faith of midwives saves many lives. And what is amazing is that although the Pharaoh is of high status, the bible did not mention his name, but the names of the midwives are recorded. This means that if one obeys the will of God, they will be remembered. In God’s perspective, the powerful Pharaoh is not the main character of this story, instead the midwives are. God does not care about our status or fame in the world, but God values how much we revere Him, rely on Him. In the end, God “was kind to the midwives” <Ex 1:20>; our God is faithful, so blessed decisions will bring about blessed outcomes.

 

2) The nameless servant girl who saved Naaman <2 Ki 5:1-3,15>

Although we do not the name of the servant girl, but we saw how a simple girl from Israel with a lowly status dared to introduce prophet Elisha and God of Israel to her master, a great commander of the King of Aram, who took her captive. It does not matter that we do not know her name; what’s important is that through her, God saved the soul of a person! Therefore, she is remembered for generations. Very often, we may also think we are insignificant, a nobody, just like this servant girl. There are many successful, smart and capable people around us. It seems outrageous, or even laughable to be evangelising to them. However, salvation does not depend on how great we are, but how great God is; we just need to the faithful to the commission to spread the gospel. Actually, in the world, there many “big guys” who do not know God and they need “small guys” like us who know God to share the gospel with them. The servant girl is not narrow-minded and did not only focused on her own problems and suffering. Instead, in whatever situation she is in, she grasp the opportunity to share the gospel. We do not know, but the next miracle of the salvation of a soul can come through us. Sometimes, people look like they have everything, and all things are going well for them, like Naaman who is valiant and well-respected. However, Naaman has his pain and problems. Although, Naaman’s problem is more obvious, because leprosy is visible; but actually for everyone who does not know Christ, no matter how glamorous they look, in the depth of their souls, there are unseen bondages; everyone needs the salvation of Lord Jesus. We must restore such a perspective, not look down on ourselves or give ourselves excuses. 

 

3 Minor judge Shamgar <Jdg 3:31>

Shamgar in the bible only appears in 2 verses in the bible. But his example is a great encouragement for us. Actually, Shamgar only did a small thing, God can easily not record this in the bible, and two verses may seem dispensable, not worth mentioning. After all, there are many great events that can be recorded. But God intentionally recorded Shamgar’s deeds. This is so that we know that no matter how limited we are, and how little we can do for God, but if we obey God and is faithful to Him, this is precious in His sight. Although Shamgar appeared for a while, but his life accomplished God’s will, and he completed his mission. God has used Shamgar this way. Today, no matter how ordinary or insignificant we are, if we are willing to be used by God, God can also use us to accomplish His great work.

 

2. Insignificant yet important

1) God will use us with the conditions He has given us.

We do not need to become another person so that we can be used by God. Moses has his conditions, David has his conditions, Shamgar has his conditions. Whether it is the staff of Moses, stones of David or ox goad of Shamgar, the almighty God can use them to accomplish great things. Actually, to be used by God, you do not need any special or powerful conditions, because God will not be constrained by man’s weaknesses.

 

2) God is not concerned with our greatness but our faithfulness and attitude

Just like the “Parable of Talents” in <Matthew 25>, the master is not looking at how much the servants gained, but how faithful they are. In <Mk 12:41-44>, Jesus did not praise those who put a lot of money into the temple treasury, but He praised the widow who gave 2 small copper coins. Here, we see that the Lord looks at the attitude. If we do the smallest thing in faith and in love, that is what God values. Missionary Hudson Taylor once said, ‘A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing.’

 

3) In the day of judgment, God is also focused on small things.

We often think that on the judgement day, God will ask us to account for the big events, great breakthroughs, our holiness or great sin; of course those will be accounted for, but if we see Jesus’ words, He has also put his focus on the daily small things, for example:

·       But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. <Mt 12:36>

·       Those who feed, give something to drink, shelter, clothe or visit the least of these brothers of sister, can take their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. <Mt 25:34-40>

 

4) When Paul encouraged believers to live life worthy of the calling, he mentioned many small ordinary things.

·       “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Making the most of every opportunity.” <Ep 4:2-3, 25-29; 5:16> And in the ordinary roles that God has given us (husband and wife, parents, children, master and servant), honour and glorify God and be faithful  <Ep 5:22-6:9>

 

 

3. Therefore, we should see the small things we can do for God as important. 

No one has the excuse to say that they cannot be used by God. No one can say, "I am just one not known to others, a nobody, I can't show concern for others, I can't speak well, I have no time and no gift, etc. Yes, man is limited, we can't do everything but at least in the conditions that God has given us, there are surely things we can do. Just like how Shamgar faced his enemies in the battle without any weapons but only an ox-goad. From human perspective, the ox-goad has no means to go against the Philistines. However, Shamgar just used all  that he had to do what was necessary, leaving the rest to God to fulfil. Yes, not all of us can become a Moses, or Daniel or the Apostle Paul or Martin Luther, or the famous pastors of this age but instead of thinking that we cannot do anything, we should learn from Shamgar. We do not have to be a genius, and neither must we possess some specific gift before we can be used by God. God does not want us to look down on what we have or for us to compare ourselves with others and hence feel that those who received more should then serve God while we are useless. What God wants to emphasize is, as long as God has given us some gifts, abilities, resources, we will then be able to do some things. Our conditions are not by chance, where we are at, the people whom we come into contact with, the work we do etc are all arranged conscientiously by God. In such unique arrangements, there are ordinary things that God wants us to do. Therefore, if we are able to intercede for others; send an encouraging message to another; spend some time with a brethren in need or a brethren who had been left out; or to be an assistant teacher in Sunday school etc; we can also show important results. Actually, what God is seeking is not some magnificent solution or some new refreshing program but He is seeking those who are willing to listen and believe His words and submit. Therefore, do not look down on our small submissions.