Hi friends, this week I'd like to share with you a real gem ; a sermon from my childhood. It made such an impression on me that many years later, I still remember bits and pieces of it. This post is only a patchwork of it from memory, research and some of my ideas; I pray God speaks to you through it!
10 Reasons why WE ARE GOD’S POSTAGE STAMPS-
1)Designed for a Purpose-
Stamps are made with a design and purpose in mind-Similarly we too have been created ‘just as we are’ for a specific purpose. Eph 2:1 “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2)Image bearers –
The postal stamps often bear the image of a Great Person. Similarly we too are made in the Image of God and must appear like Christ to others. Gen 1:27: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
3)Goes where it is sent -
A postage stamp is made, controlled and governed by the Postal Authority- It never argues about where it is to go. Similarly we too must be obedient to our Divine Authority and go where we are commissioned to go. Matt 28:18,19 Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me therefore go and make disciples of all nations"
4) Value according to Use-
Just as stamps differ in value (currency)which depends on its use , we also have different talents given to us according to His calling for our lives. It is useless to compare ourselves with others for His purposes for each of us is different. 1 Corin 7:7 : “Each person has a special gift from God, and these gifts vary from person to person.”
Just as stamps differ in value (currency)which depends on its use , we also have different talents given to us according to His calling for our lives. It is useless to compare ourselves with others for His purposes for each of us is different. 1 Corin 7:7 : “Each person has a special gift from God, and these gifts vary from person to person.”
5) Ragged Edge is no Hindrance-
The ragged edges on the sides of the stamp do not in any way reduce the value of the stamp. We never need to feel unworthy because of any external factors as they do not determine our value. 1 Sam 16:7: “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”
6) Endurance by hardship -
Stamps are pressed hard so they can be properly used-Similarly, we also may be “pressed down in life” by hardships- poverty, rejection, betrayal, sickness, loss of a loved one, pain etc to be used by God but instead of striking back when we are hurt we need to learn to patiently endure in hope. Rom 5:3 "We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
7)Small in size but carrier of great messages-
Postal stamps look small in size but they carry messages of great importance. Similarly we may be small and insignificant but we carry the greatest message ever – the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Corin 4:7 : “Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.”
Postal stamps look small in size but they carry messages of great importance. Similarly we may be small and insignificant but we carry the greatest message ever – the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Corin 4:7 : “Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.”
8) Rendered useless if unstuck-
Just like a stamp that is once stuck will get torn and rendered useless if we try to remove it from the envelope, similarly if we turn back from our Calling, we will be rendered useless and without power to accomplish anything useful in life.
2 Peter 2:21 “It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live.”
2 Peter 2:21 “It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live.”
9)Perseverance till destination-
Just as stamps have to stick onto the envelope (no matter how far or long it has to travel) to accomplish its mission, only if we “stick” to the situations in our life will we be able to successfully reach our destination. Heb 10:36 : “Persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
10) Usable only after purchased-
The stamp is obtained for use only after it is purchased. Similarly we too are valuable since we have been bought at a very high price. 1 Peter 1:18-19: “For it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
It is the Power of His Love that saved us and causes us to be joyful.
Have a blessed week,
Take care, God bless,
Sparky Laurie