I HAVE LABORED IN VAIN

Would it shock you to know that Jesus experienced the feeling of having accomplished little?

In Isaiah 49:4 we read these words: “Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain….” Note that these are not the words of Isaiah, who was called by God at a mature age. No, they are Christ’s own words, spoken by One “called…from the womb; from the body of my mother…The Lord…formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, (and to gather Israel)” (49:1, 5).

When I came upon this passage, one that I’d read many times before, my heart was in wonder. I could hardly believe what I was reading. Jesus’ words here about “laboring in vain” were a response to the Father who had just declared, “Thou art my servant…in whom I will be glorified” (49:3). We read Jesus’ surprising response in the next verse: “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought” (49:4).

After reading this, I stood to my feet in my study and said, “How wonderful. I can hardly believe that Christ was this vulnerable, confessing to the Father that he was experiencing what we humans face. In his humanity, he tasted the same discouragement, the same despondency, the same woundedness. He was having the same thoughts I’ve had about my own life: ‘This isn’t what I perceived was promised. I wasted my strength. It has all been in vain.’”

Reading those words made me love Jesus all the more. I realized Hebrews 4:15 is not just a cliché: our Savior truly is touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin. He’d known this very same temptation from Satan, hearing the same accusing voice: “Your mission is not accomplished. Your life has been a failure. You’ve got nothing to show for all your labors.”

Christ came into the world to fulfill the will of God by reviving Israel. And he did just as he was commanded. But Israel rejected him: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11).

Why would Jesus, or any man or woman of God, speak such despairing words as these: “I have labored in vain”? How could the Son of God make such a statement? And why have generations of faithful believers been reduced to such despondent words? It is all the result of measuring little results against high expectations.

You may think, “This message sounds like it applies just to ministers, or to those called to do some great work for God. I can see it being meant for missionaries or the Bible prophets. But what does it have to do with me?” The truth is, we’re all called to one grand, common purpose, and to one ministry: that is, to be like Jesus. We are called to grow in his likeness, to be changed into his express image.'

Derek Prince en Español - Liberación de la Maldición - Segunda Parte - Derek Prince

Bible Teacher Derek Prince Starts his Master Class on The Importance of Decision. A Sermon divided into 2 parts. This part is: The Importance of Decision - Part A

Heavenly Father, never have we lived at a time like this, the ends of the world coming apart. We begin to rejoice as we look up and see our dear redemption drawing nigh. Lord, our homes are falling apart, millions being divorced. Millions of children living in broken homes. Never has this message has been so desperately needed.

Derek Prince en Español - Liberación de la Maldición - Primera Parte

Bible Teacher Derek Prince Starts his Master Class on Decision Not Emotion. A Sermon divided into 2 parts. This part is: Decision Not Emotion - Part B

Believe it or not, many good people who are involved in doing wonderful things will not make it to heaven. Worse yet, many who consider themselves Christians and who are convinced they are going to heaven will be shut out - even though they aren't indulging in gross sin or bad things of any kind! The Christians I'm referring to do not use drugs or alcohol. They don't gamble. They don't indulge in pornography or sexual perversion. They aren't numbered among the wicked and vile. In fact, you may find many of them in church on Sunday morning. And they spend most of their free time with friends and family, enjoying good things. They are family people, with family values. Having said this, I want to make an even bolder statement - one that may offend some. Yet I say it in loving concern for those in the church of Jesus Christ who can't see they are headed for disaster: Some may be in danger of losing their very soul - even though they sit in church, absolutely convinced they are on their way to heaven! This whole idea may seem like a paradox to you. But I want to prove it to you from Scripture. If ever you heed any message the Holy Spirit speaks to you, let it be this one. Here is my point: Some believers will be shut out of heaven not because of the bad things they have done - but because they have become so preoccupied with doing good, legitimate things they neglect the things that really count - eternal things. Their zeal for good things has pushed aside the things of God! Such people have become so engrossed in the here and now that they literally have no time for the deeper things of the spiritual life. They're sweating away to build their business, advance their career, provide for their family - but their focus has become completely out of order! The Bible says: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). These are Christ's own words - and they are not a suggestion, but a commandment. Jesus means what he says here, promising: "If you seek the Lord first, he will take care of all the things you're toiling over - career, business, home, family. But you must make him your primary focus!" ... 1. Consider What Jesus Says About the Days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-30). ... . Consider the Man Who Made A Great Feast - But Whose Invited Guests All Turned Him Down (Luke 14:16-24). ... 3. Finally, a Large Number Who Ought to Be in the Bridal Procession Will Be Left Out (Matthew 25:1-13).

Derek Prince ¿Como Echar Fuera Al Enemigo?- Los fundamentos de la liberación