Once More With Feeling - II Kings 13:10-21

The result of man's efforts in God's work is limited by man's faith in God's power. Faithfulness is a necessity by man in God's business.

Intro: Power is seen in many things. The Niagara river going over the falls, the throbbing thrust of a Titan II rocket as it pushes its payload to the far reaches of space, earthquakes, avalanches, an erupting volcano, and the sun which rises to impart its heat to the earth are just parts of the whole which God has set into motion and maintains. Man is a part of the power system of God. Through man God demonstrates His power. He illuminates Himself by this method of using men as a receptacle and outlet of His power in His dealings with mankind.

In this text we find 3 aspects of God's encounters with each of us.

I. The Empowering Touch of God's Commission
A. Isaiah's Commission
B. Church at Pentecost
C. Paul on the road to Damascus
D. The Holy Spirit in the Christian's life
Ill. A light switch opens the circuit to flow.

II. The Direct Word of God's Instruction
A. Moses on the mountain
B. Elijah in the storm
C. The Apostles on the shore
D. The Church at Pentecost
Ill. A raw recruit in basic training

III. The Limitations of Man's Failures
A. Independent, not God dependent
B. Moses smote the rock the second time
C. Elijah ran from Jezebel
D. Peter tried to limit the scope of the Gospel
Ill. A short circuit of electricity will shut the machine down.

Conclusion: God always has a plan for us in life. The difficulty of that plan turns on the receptiveness of man.