CALL FOR
“...WHOM SHALL SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?” {Isa. 5:8 cf.1Kings 17:1-14}Since the day Adam failed God at Eden, God had continued looking for a man. He has continued the search for men who will put their lives on a bait; men of work and sacrifice. Men that will put God first before their own lives. To Isaiah God cried, “...Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Thank God for his quickest response, “Here am I; send me.” {Isa. 6:8}. Looking for a man who will help out concerning the terrible spiritual decline of the Israelites, God cried, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it..” But unfortunately however, He found none.
Our calling is a call unto sacrifice! Our lives must first be for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus told His disciples, “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” {Luke 9:62}.
This morning we shall see just three fellows, who God found, who made some sacrifices, and put their lives on a bait for God.
I. ELIJAH: THE FEARLESS FOR GOD. {1Kgs.17:1; 18:1-46}
It was a crucial time in the history of the northern
kingdom of Israel; the two most evil leaders the World
ever known in Ahab and Jezebel, had led the tribe into the worst idolatry and worship of false gods. The land swarmed with the priests of Baal and of groves. Proud of Court favour; glorying in their sudden rise to power; insolent, greedy, licentious, and debased. The fires of persecution were lit, and began to burn with fury. and of
all the thousands of Israel, only seven thousand remained who had not bowed the knee or kissed the hand of Baal. But they were paralyzed with fear, and kept still; even
Elijah didn’t know they were there.
The situation called for a fearless man of self-sacrifice, who would put God first; a man will put his life on a bait. Elijah appeared from no where.
He challenged the king, and demonstrated God’s power over rainfall. {1kgs. 17:1}
He challenged the Baal prophets to a contest that led to their death. {1kgs. 18:1-38}.
God is yet looking for men like Elijah, who would care more about God, and care less about themselves.
II. THE WIDOW OF ZEREPHATH: UNPOPULAR ALTERNATIVE. {1Kgs.17:8-15}
God told Elijah to withdraw from the brook of Cherith to Zerephath, where He has commanded a widow to sustain him. But why a widow and not one rich man? To some, she is an unpopular alternative.
The demand of the man of God was unpopular and inconsiderate. Demanding the only food left for her and her only son. To us, it was too much a demand. That is what God does - God first!
God rewarded her obedience and sacrifice.
God is looking for men who share same status with this widow. Men who think they have nothing. God makes something from nothing. God first!
III. DAVID’S 3 MIGHTY MEN: UNCOMMON SACRIFICE. {2Sam.23:15-17}
This is one the best example of sacrifice which God requires us to make.
David longed to drink the water of the well of Bethlehem, a venture that was suicidal.
But three out of his gallant soldiers volunteered themselves, even if it meant dying.
And to the king’s amazement, they came with the water.
But the king did not drink the water, instead he poured it out unto the Lord
He saw it as their blood.
Friends, God is waiting to take record of your sacrifice.
He found the man He looked for in Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah etc. Can He find that man in YOU today?
REV. IZUCHUKWU UWA
