Those Gathering Along the Wayside
Luke 19:28 - 42
28
And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.29
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,30
Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.31
And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.32
And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.33
And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?34
And they said, The Lord hath need of him.35
And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.36
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.37
And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;38
Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.39
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.40
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.41
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
When Christ entered the city of Jerusalem he was greeted by a lot of people. Where they all that were there on His side? NO!
We see many today the line up and watch Him as He goes by. Who, what , where are they?
They are standing and lining up along the wayside. SEE THEM?
God's Answer for Our Lives is at Hand - vs. 29-34
He wants to use us
He knows how to use us
He will use us if we allow
He will allow us if we use Him
There are people gathering along side the way! - 35-40
Curious
Could this thing be real?
Could this thing be better than what I have?
Could God be real?
Hungry
Physically looking for food
Spiritually craving nourishment
Critics
Nothing that they do not do is right
They are looking for faults
Jealous
Searchers for a closer walk/better life
Realize there IS something better in this life than getting all of the "gusto".
Realize that there is a better place to go!
They have experienced the falseness of worldly experiences.
That nagging voice (conscious) calls to them.
Supporters
Cheerleaders
Encouragers
Enjoyers (some people just like top be around God's people)
Helpers
Our answer for God's life is in our hand and shows in our life - 41-48
We must listen to Him and His Spirit while we can!
We should see with good spiritual eyes.
We should cleanse "our temple" or He will!
Will we do what He calls for us to do? Or find excuses to fail?
There is a saying, "Those who can, do, and those who cannot, teach." Today, I want to change this a little bit and apply it to ourselves…"Those who will, do, and those who won't, watch."
I am not saying that everyone can do all things. I know that. I also know that we all can be part of what God wants us to do here.
I think of the image in the revolutionary war of the three men walking bandaged u p, playing the snare drum, the fife and carrying the flag.
I think this applies today.
If we are able, then march to the beat of Jesus' drum, get in line and march to battle for the Lord.
If we are able, then beat the drum, play the fife, or carry the flag (and encourage others to accompany).
If we are not able then pray and support the best we can. By all means, get in the work of the Lord.
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 032402am