The Spirit of Sacrifice and Service (Message to Women) -- Annie Poonen -- October 21, 2020
Also in
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/spirit-sacrifice-service River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker draws lessons from the biblical story of the widow of Zarephath, whom God commanded to care for the prophet Elijah during a severe drought. She exemplified profound unselfishness by immediately prioritizing the prophet's needs over her own last meal. The speaker applies this to modern life, emphasizing that true faith involves a spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and willingness to serve others without expecting personal reward.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus refers to the widow of ZarephathJesus noted in Luke that while there were many widows in Israel during the famine, God sent Elijah to only one widow in Sidon to take care of him.Luke 4:26
Elijah asks the widow for water and breadDuring a severe drought, Elijah found a widow gathering sticks and asked her for water and bread, to which she replied she only had enough meal and oil for one last meal for herself and her son.
Qualities of the widowThe speaker highlights the widow's unselfishness, her spirit of sacrifice, and her immediate obedience in making food for the prophet without making excuses.
Offering to the Lord that which costs somethingDavid declared that he would not offer to the Lord anything that cost him nothing, reflecting the same spirit of sacrifice seen in the widow's life.
Rebecca passes the testWhen Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac, Rebecca passed the test by offering water not just for the servant but also for his camels.
Queen Esther called for such a time as thisMordecai reminded Esther that if she remained silent during a crisis for the Jews, deliverance would arise from another place, but she and her father's house would be destroyed.Esther 4:14
The little boy who shared his lunchA young boy shared his five loaves and two fish to help feed five thousand men, demonstrating how sharing and serving can be used by God to bless multitudes.
The widow's further miracles and testingAfter her daily provision was sustained, the widow experienced the testing of her son's death and resurrection through Elijah's prayers, leading her to recognize the true word of God.
Running with horses in JeremiahThe prophet Jeremiah asks how someone can contend with horses if they grow weary running with footmen, illustrating how small present trials prepare believers for greater challenges ahead.
Trusting in the Lord like a tree planted by waterJeremiah pronounces a blessing on the person who trusts in the Lord, comparing them to a tree planted by water that does not fear drought and continues to yield fruit.
God's plans for a future and a hopeThe Lord declares through Jeremiah that He knows the plans He has for His people, plans for good and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope when they seek Him earnestly.
A commitment of reverence and praiseThe Psalmist asks God to direct his path and unites every fiber of his being in reverence and praise because of God's constant kindness and rescue.
What matters to you matters to JesusEverything that weighs on the heart of a believer—whether big or small concerning family, health, or daily life—matters to Jesus, who carries our burdens and promises never to leave us.
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