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The Value of One
John 15:20
John 15:20
Popular 60's and 70's group "Three Dog Nighht" wrote a sone "One is the Loneliest Number" in which they said: "One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do". In so many ways, this is so true. Especially for the Christian. It is so very hard to work and live a Christian life in a place that is worldly. But nevertheless, there is a value of One.
"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
There is an old nursery rhyme that goes:
"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
There is an old nursery rhyme that goes:
"For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail."
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail."
This little rhyme shows how just the smallest detail, or even one, can make a difference.
When called to do a job, one can be overwhelmed. Years ago, I was given the task of digging a hole 10 feet deep with a set of posthole diggers. It was hot that day, temperatures in the mid 90's. It took about 30 minutes, and a lot of sweat, but the job was completed.
In the Old Testament, Moses was called to an enormous task. Go to Pharoah and demand the release of God's people. I can only imagine the look on his face, or the thoughts that were going through his mind. Nevertheless, after 40 plus years, the task was accomplished. Even though Moses had Aaron to help, the job fell on his sholders. And we see the value of one.
In another proverb, we learn:
When called to do a job, one can be overwhelmed. Years ago, I was given the task of digging a hole 10 feet deep with a set of posthole diggers. It was hot that day, temperatures in the mid 90's. It took about 30 minutes, and a lot of sweat, but the job was completed.
In the Old Testament, Moses was called to an enormous task. Go to Pharoah and demand the release of God's people. I can only imagine the look on his face, or the thoughts that were going through his mind. Nevertheless, after 40 plus years, the task was accomplished. Even though Moses had Aaron to help, the job fell on his sholders. And we see the value of one.
In another proverb, we learn:
"One bad apple spiols the bunch."
In the waining days of the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold was discovered to be a traitor. In 1780 he planned on turning over to the Brittish forces what was later to be known as West Point Military Academy. His actions could have cost the Contenintal Army the upper New York area.
In the Old Testament, we have a picture Israel wanting to be lik eother nations. Samuel annoints Saul to be king. By all accounts, Saul's first years as king were good. He took care of his fathers herds, he was a dutifil son, and it is said he was handsomer that any Israelite. But Saul's ultimate downfall was his impatience. On the verge of a battle, Saul was told to wait upon Samuel. When Samuel didn't show up on time, Saul went ahead and sacrifed and prepared for war. Samuel rebuked him, and later, Saul disobeyed God and was rejected as a result.
Thank God there was "one" waiting in the wings who would be "a man after God's own heart." As one who was a leader, it can be a very hard job with little reward. But it will come as we see in the example of Elijah.
Patrick Henry, American Statesman said:
In the Old Testament, we have a picture Israel wanting to be lik eother nations. Samuel annoints Saul to be king. By all accounts, Saul's first years as king were good. He took care of his fathers herds, he was a dutifil son, and it is said he was handsomer that any Israelite. But Saul's ultimate downfall was his impatience. On the verge of a battle, Saul was told to wait upon Samuel. When Samuel didn't show up on time, Saul went ahead and sacrifed and prepared for war. Samuel rebuked him, and later, Saul disobeyed God and was rejected as a result.
Thank God there was "one" waiting in the wings who would be "a man after God's own heart." As one who was a leader, it can be a very hard job with little reward. But it will come as we see in the example of Elijah.
Patrick Henry, American Statesman said:
"I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them a single shilling, they would have been rich; and if they had not that, and I had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed."
Standing alone, especially when standing on principles, is a hard thing to do. I always have to remind myself there are only two things in this life a man can call his own, his priciples, and his sins. Compromise principles, and all he has is his sins.
In a very hard time, Elijah walked a lonely road. Elijah the Tishbite, was in a time when Ahab was erecting temple to Baal. Ahab also allowed Jezebel to keep an entourage of preists and prophets. God warned Elijah to flee into the wilderness. Elijah ends up in a cave where he pleas to God: I alone, have been zealous, and I alone am left alone. And he gets an answer he wasn't expecting when God informs him that he is not alone, He has 7000 in Israel that have not bowed down to Baal.
Even when Elijah thought things were at their darkest, he finds out he was not alone in a very real way. When doing right seems to be wrong, and others put you down, realize that even though you might not know it, there are others just like you. Even today, Elijah's lesson applies.
Continued...
In a very hard time, Elijah walked a lonely road. Elijah the Tishbite, was in a time when Ahab was erecting temple to Baal. Ahab also allowed Jezebel to keep an entourage of preists and prophets. God warned Elijah to flee into the wilderness. Elijah ends up in a cave where he pleas to God: I alone, have been zealous, and I alone am left alone. And he gets an answer he wasn't expecting when God informs him that he is not alone, He has 7000 in Israel that have not bowed down to Baal.
Even when Elijah thought things were at their darkest, he finds out he was not alone in a very real way. When doing right seems to be wrong, and others put you down, realize that even though you might not know it, there are others just like you. Even today, Elijah's lesson applies.
Continued...
thank you
