Red Sea Rule #2

Notes from Bro Mike's message August 28:

Main Text:

     Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Haharoth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.' And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." So the Israelites did this.   Exodus 14:1-4

Red Sea Rule #1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. (August 21 message)

Red Sea Rule #2: Be more concerned for God's glory than for your own relief.

Most of our prayers seem to be involved with asking God to relieve us, or at least bring us relief,
in particular circumstances. "LORD, help me get out of this!" Or, more often, "LORD, get me out of this...PLEASE!!"

Bro Mike challenged us, next time we feel overwhelmed, instead of praying, "How can I get out of this mess?" to pray instead, "LORD, how can I help bring glory to You in this situation?"

Examples:

1. John 9:1-3. As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

We should be careful about giving God options. It's often not "this" or "that." We do not see the whole picture He is painting.  He is working out His Kingdom Agenda. It's not about us. It's about God's glory.

2. John 11. The death of Lazarus. When Jesus received the word that Lazarus was seriously ill He did not immediatley drop His plans. He didn't rearrange His schedule to rush to be with the family. And we know that Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were dear to Christ.

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two more days.
Two whole days more?

Jesus' said: "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
And that's exactly what happened.  God's glory was shown through His Son when Lazarus was raised from the dead, after 4 days.

3. John 12: Some faithful Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Feast came to Philip and said, "Sir we would see Jesus." Philip told Andrew and they both told Jesus about the request.

Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified....now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
Father, glorify your name!"

Those Greeks who wanted to see Jesus needed to know that basic truth -- we are saved, not for our own comfort and blessings, but for God's glory.

How many of us, when we said "Yes," to the gospel message, did it because we thought it would be a good thing for us? It all sounded like a good idea. After all, it IS the best deal in the universe. We give Him our filthy rags and He clothes us in garments of joy and salvation.
But it's not about us. It's about Him.

What is the chief purpose of man? "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I learned that when I was
about 8 years old. And it's still the best news I've ever heard!