Sermon

Listen for the Bell

Theme

God's love for us never ends.

Object

None is needed.

Scripture

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

I’m going to tell you a story about 2 horses. It begins ….Just up the road is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like any other horse. But if you stop and look, you will notice something quite amazing.

When you look into the eyes of one of the horses, you will discover that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

If you listening carefully, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him. And that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we’re not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see the way. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

Some people are blind even though they can see with their eyes, because they don't understand that Jesus is the Son of God. This unbelief causes darkness in their hearts and minds. Jesus tells us we (you & me) are the light of the world and to let our light shine in such a way that others can see that we serve God. This may be just what others need to understand that Jesus loves them. Let’s pray…..

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us deliver your light and your word to the children who are in darkness. Help us to listen to God’s bell when he calls. Thank you for loving us even when we are not perfect. Amen

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."