August 28, 2011
Vision Sunday
Posted by Michael
Learn:
1 Kings 18:1-2a, 41-46
1 After a long time, in the third year, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab.
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
“There is nothing there,” he said.
Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”
So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”
45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
Main Idea:
On most Vision Sundays, we focus on God’s vision for His church. This year, however, we examined God’s vision for our individual lives. God’s vision for your life and the dreams you have for your life are not mutually exclusive. But sometimes we must give up lesser dreams to pursue a more significant vision from God. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah pursues the vision God has for his life, even though he isn’t sure how everything is going to work out. Elijah listens to God and says “Yes” to everything asked of him. This isn’t easy; Elijah gets put in situations where he will look foolish if God doesn’t show up. But Elijah took his vision seriously, and God did show up. Likewise, we need to take seriously the vision God has placed on our lives, and keep taking small, faithful steps toward its fulfillment.
Know What: The greatest thing you can do for the church, and everyone in your life, is to be fully devoted to Jesus.
So What: If your vision doesn’t call for sacrifice, it’s probably not from God.
Now What: Choose this day who you will serve. Listen to what God is asking you to do, and then do it.
Discuss…
1. What are some dreams you have for your life? How do you think they match up to God’s vision for your life? Are you willing to give up lesser dreams to pursue a greater vision?
2. The things we choose to dwell on have an impact on our actions. When was the last time you “fantasized” about righteousness? What are some ways you can be intentional about focusing your thoughts on Jesus?
3. What is the difference between being content but dissatisfied with our surroundings and being discontent and satisfied with the way things are? How does the former lead us to pursue God’s vision? What can the latter lead to?
4. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that seemed unrelated to His vision for your life? Were you obedient, despite not knowing why God wanted you to do it? Looking back, can you see why God wanted you to do it?
5. Elijah’s servant never gave up on helping Elijah birth his vision. Who are some people who you can always count on to help you fulfill God’s vision for your life? Who are some people who you can be that kind of person for?
6. The rain that Elijah prayed for started with a very small cloud. What are some “small victories” you can thank God for today as you pursue His vision?
Next Steps…
James says that Elijah was a man just like us. This means that he had the same fears and uncertainties that we often have. We see that this is evident in the very next chapter. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is afraid for his life and becomes depressed. God tells Elijah to go stand on a mountain. When Elijah gets there, a great wind blows by, but God is not in the wind. Then there is an earthquake, but God is not in the earthquake. Then comes a flash of fire, but God is not in the fire. Finally God speaks, but it comes in the form of a gentle whisper.
Often, God speaks to us in a whisper. This means we need to be intentional about listening. When was the last time in your prayers you listened to God more than you talked? This week, take some time to listen to the gentle voice of God.
