LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH
DRIVE-IN MISSION WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021 DEAN CASKEY
LUKE 17 VERSES 11 - 19
Over the past couple of nights we have been looking at different topics - "what shall I do" Pilate's words, the rich young ruler and the rich farmer. All were asking the same question and the emphasis was on the individual and what they needed to do. Then last night we looked at the lost sheep who had to realise it was lost. It cried out to the shepherd and the shepherd was there in order to save it.
I want us to consider what Jesus can do tonight. Before we buy anything today we like to get a good review on it. What do other people think of the product? When we book a venue for our holidays we read the reviews of people who have visited the area we are going to. We always like to know in advance what something is like. Can we say the same about salvation? Have you never come to Jesus? Hav you ever sought the Saviour for yourself? We can listen to singers and peoples testimonies about something Jesus has done in their lives. Maybe you are close to salvation. Maybe you are just not sure. Maybe you have been close to salvation in the past but are unsure if Jesus could save you. This message is for you. I trust someone evaluates their own life tonight, puts themselves in the position of accepting Christ. In this situation we read here of a group of people who could leave a testimony to tell others that they had met with Jesus and were changed as a result. Can Jesus make a difference in your life tonight? Don't trust me. Don't take my word for it tonight. The result of this meeting was that these men left knowing they had been changed. Jesus had touched and changed their lives forever.
The contemplation - verse 11. They knew they had a great opportunity. Jesus was in the area for all that would listen. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." As Jesus was passing through he made his way through Samaria and Galilee. No Jew would have stepped into the land of Samaria and no Gentile would pass through Galilee. There was no difference for Jesus. He came to seek that which was lost. "And as he entered into a certain village." These 10 men realised something prior to this great meeting. There was preparation to be made. They had to understand their need, had to make their way to Jesus because they had a great need in their heart. All other ways had failed. They were living in a colony, living on the outside of town because they had tried different doctors, tried every break through they could but still were found wanting. News came to them that Jesus was making his way into that area. They knew they had a great opportunity.
Now see their concern - verse 12. They knew their problem was urgent. Why? Because their disease had defined them - "they were lepers". As the people looked on at these men they were not known as such by name but looked on as individuals with a disease. Their bodies were evidence of their disease. We are classed as sinners, born in sin, shapen in iniquity, in sin our mothers conceived us. The fall of Adam has descended on our race even today. Sin has destroyed our lives. The lepers were known by their disease. So are we sinners, born in sin today. A great opportunity. The possibility for us is that although we are sinners we can be saved by grace. The concern they had in their heart that they might meet Jesus. As Jesus entered the village these men met him. As soon as he passed the welcome sign was put out and Jesus passed over the thresh hold where they lived. They came and met him right at the entrance to the village. They understood the severity of the problem. They had taken no chances. Nothing was going to stop these men with meeting with Jesus If only souls had that same concern. The same understanding these men had. They realised they needed to get to Jesus. Nothing was going to stop them from meeting with the Saviour. Missions come and missions go. Drive-In Services will come and go. People will say 'I will be ok'. People will turn around and say "this is not for me, I still have time" Many people are treating salvation as something for way down the line, something they will think about later in life. At times when life gets difficult people pick up Jesus but then are content to throw him to one side again when things change.
The calling - verse 13. "They lifted up their voices and said 'Jesus, master, have mercy on us." A call from their heart. One of the translations puts the words 'lifted up' as to loose yourself. They cried from the bottom of their hearts. They were loosing themselves from all hindrances that would have held them back. They were bound by sins chains. The words also mean to put away. It is symbolic of putting way all that held them back. What is holding you back from coming to salvation? Why are you not saved? Why have you come to our meeting tonight? Content to listen to the gospel message yet drive away at the end? These men realised the need in their heart, they realised the severity of their situation. They put all hindrances behind them and cried out. Verse 13 they cried out "Jesus, master have mercy on us." Those words 'have mercy on us' mean to be compassionate. They also mean to show grace. Here were these 10 men coming to the feet of the Saviour. Jesus doesn't give us what we deserve but he gives grace and mercy instead of what we are. The Lord has bestowed on us the opportunity to be here and hear the gospel message. We should be on our knees. "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus would go to the cross and die for your sin and mine.
The confrontation - verse 14. Jesus heard their cry "and when he saw them he said unto them". The confrontation was that Jesus heard their cry. We are dealing with the Son of God who came into the world. In this story Jesus was making his way through the villages to go to the cross of Calvary. He was focused on that journey and the souls of people around him. Imagine if he had looked at them and couldn't have helped them. No he heard their cry. What is holding you back? "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." "Seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you."
A cleansing - verse 14. "Go show yourselves unto the priest and it came to pass that as they went they were cleansed." He not only heard their need, he stopped to listen and was able to do something about it. Imagine if he had turned around and said 'there is nothing I can do, it is outside of my reach'. Jesus answered by cleansing their souls. He can cleanse you, take away your sin, make your heart new. It is time to stop putting your salvation on hold. Pay attention to your soul. Maybe you think you are too sinful. Maybe you are too busy - "behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation."
The comfort - verse 19. As they went on their way their faith made them whole. Jesus took the fear of death away. They had a contagious disease. No-one wanted to be near them. The meeting with Jesus gave them hope. Jesus said "arise" meaning to lift yourself up again. Your faith, your trust, your assurance has made you whole, has delivered you. Jesus can tell you to rise up. Should you put your faith and trust and assurance in his hand he will never leave you. He can deliver you. Think upon our own salvation. We thought previously of what you should do but think tonight of what Jesus can do - he can save you. He came to this earth, went to the cross to die and save you. You have the assurance that he can save you, hold unto you. He will make you ready for heaven. This is your opportunity because Jesus is passing. it is time for you to call.
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