The Distinction of Being Recognized
God recognizes and values each individual's unique contribution to His Kingdom, and empowers us to accomplish wonders through His power.
John Henry Jowett preaches about the personal attention and care that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, has for each of His sheep, knowing them by name and valuing their individual contributions to His Kingdom. He emphasizes that even in moments of self-doubt or feeling insignificant, Jesus misses and needs each person to fulfill their unique role in His grand design. Jowett encourages his listeners to recognize the power of God's grace in their lives, enabling them to accomplish wonders beyond their own understanding.
Text
JOHN x. 1-18.
The Good Shepherd knows His sheep, and knows them by name. And that is
what I am tempted to forget. I think of myself as one of an innumerable
multitude, no one of whom receives personal attention. "My way is
overlooked by my God." But here is the evangel--the Saviour would
miss me, even me!
At a great orchestral rehearsal, which Sir Michael Costa was conducting,
the man who played the piccolo stayed his fingers for a moment, thinking
that his trifling contribution would never be missed. At once Sir Michael
raised his hand, and said: "Stop! Where's the piccolo?" He missed the
individual note. And my Lord needs the note of my life to make the music
of His Kingdom, and if the note be absent He will miss it, and the
glorious music will be broken and incomplete.
There is a common vice of self-conceit, but there is also a common vice of
excessive self-depreciation. "My Lord can do nothing with me!" Yes, my
Lord knows thee and needs thee! And by the power of His grace thou canst
accomplish wonders!
Sermon Outline
- The Distinction of Being Recognized
- The Importance of Individual Contribution
- The Dangers of Self-Deception
- The vice of self-conceit
- The vice of excessive self-depreciation
Key Quotes
“My Lord needs the note of my life to make the music of His Kingdom, and if the note be absent He will miss it, and the glorious music will be broken and incomplete.” — John Henry Jowett
“My Lord knows thee and needs thee!” — John Henry Jowett
“By the power of His grace thou canst accomplish wonders!” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Recognize your unique value and contribution to God's Kingdom.
- Trust in God's power to use you, even in your weaknesses.
- Avoid both self-conceit and self-depreciation, and instead, trust in God's sovereignty.