Prayer of a Servant
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes the divine calling to serve God and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty despite personal inadequacies.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound honor and responsibility of being called as a servant of God, acknowledging the fear and weight of the task ahead in a time of great upheaval. He reflects on the divine calling that sets apart those chosen by God, like Aaron, to deliver His message to a stubborn and resistant audience. Tozer encourages believers to relinquish their insecurities and trust in God's sovereign choice, affirming that the responsibility of the mission lies with God, not with the servant. Ultimately, he submits to God's will, expressing a deep commitment to fulfill the calling despite personal inadequacies.
Text
Lord, I have heard Thy voice and was afraid. Thou hast called me to an awesome task in a grave and perilous hour. Thou art about to shake all nations and the earth and also heaven, that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Lord my Lord, Thou hast stooped to honor me to be Thy servant. No man taketh this honor upon himself save he that is called of God as was Aaron. Thou hast ordained me Thy messenger to them that are stubborn of heart and hard of hearing. They have rejected Thee, the Master and it is n6t to be expected that they will receive me, the servant. My God, I shall not waste time deploring my weaknesses nor my unfittedness for the work.
The responsibility is not mine but Thine.
Thou hast said, "I know thee; I ordained thee; I sanctified thee." Who am I to argue with Thee or to call into question Thy sovereign choice? The decision is not mine but Thine. So be it, Lord; Thy will, not mine be done.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Call to Serve - Understanding God's Sovereignty - The Weight of Responsibility
- II points: - The Nature of the Task - Facing Rejection - The Role of the Messenger
- III points: - Embracing Weakness - Trusting God's Plan - The Power of Submission
- IV points: - The Assurance of God's Presence - Responding to the Call - Living as a Servant
Key Quotes
“Lord, I have heard Thy voice and was afraid.” — A.W. Tozer
“No man taketh this honor upon himself save he that is called of God.” — A.W. Tozer
“Thy will, not mine be done.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize and accept God's call in your life with humility.
- Trust in God's strength to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
- Live out your role as a messenger of God's truth, regardless of the response.