GOD meets our Needs of Destitution

INTRODUCTION:

I) THE FEELING OF INSIGNIFICANCE

1. The little boy with 5 loaves of bread, 2 small fishes - (John 6:9) 5,000 fed
2. The widow with her two mites- (Lk 21:2)- ... hath cast in more then they all..

II) THE FEELING OF FORGOTTEN-NESS

1. The parable of the lost sheep (Matt 18:12-14)
1. Shepherd defined - One who delights in his flock, devotes himself to the service of the flock and keeps his flock protected and well nourished.
2. Cast Sheep - A sheep who blunders into an awkward position of lying flat on it's back.
1. A heavy, fat or long fleeced sheep will lie comfortably in a little hollow or depression in the ground.
2. Suddenly, it's center of gravity shifts so that it turns on it's side to where it's feet can no longer touch the ground.
3. The sheep struggles in anxiety and ends up on it's back.
4. Life expectancy is short due to heat and predator's.
3. A good shepherd will spend hours searching for a single sheep that is missing, fearful that it may "be casting"
4. God:
1. Delights in His human flock.
2. Gives all to His flock.
3. Rejoices in seeing His flock grow and develop.
4. Is constantly on watch and ready to save any individual member who, for whatever reason, is lost in distress.

III) THE FEELING OF HELPLESSNESS

1. The man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:5-9) - (Bethesda - a house of mercy)
1. Here lied a great multitude of impotent folk (blind, lame, withered) who were waiting for the pool to stir. This happened once a year.
2. Paralyzed Man - The infirmity lasted 38 years - Represents our sinful condition.
1. We must come to an end of our own strength - This man had done so!
3. Wilt thou be made whole - Jesus came to seek that which is lost!
1. Mans response - Sir, I have no man when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool ..... but while I am coming another steps down before me.
2. Mans condition was one of extreme helplessness and frustration
4. Jesus saith unto him, rise, take up thy bed and walk
1. The man trusted in Jesus' words.
2. Notice in verse 9, the man did all three - He immediately rose, took up bed and walked.
1. Immediately, his new found faith included tasking.
1. He carried the load of his bedding.

IV) THE FEELING OF LONELINESS

1. Jesus in the hour of His crucifixion
1. My God, why hast thou forsaken me.
2. How to overcome loneliness- Lk 23:46 - Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
1. You belong to God, put your trust in Him.