IF I CAN – Even if I don’t want to – I must !

IF I CAN –

Pastor Calvin Cook – June 4, 2025 –

Scripture focus : Acts 1:4-5 And while staying with them He (Jesus) ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He (Jesus) said “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (ESV)

This morning as I think about the season of the remembrance of Pentecost coming upon, there is a return to the thinking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the faithfulness of the people. In the verses shared this morning, there is clear direction of Jesus to the people about a call to return to what is coming and will happen because of their commitment to remain faithful.

I am struck by the words in Acts 1:4 in the English Standard Version of the Bible; “He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father”.  Jesus didn’t wait for a response; Jesus had an expectation of the disciples that they would do as directed. The words strongly suggest that this wasn’t a recommendation, suggestion, or a wise thing to do. It was ordered, required, to experience the next phase of relationship with God.

There are times in my life, when asked a question to do something, that I will respond “if I can”. I consider the response as a way of saying, “if I can fit it into my schedule”, “if I want to do what the person was asking of me” “if it appeals to me.” Confess with me that we are people who do what we want to according to our own plans.

I grew up at a time when our parents asked us to do something, it wasn’t a choice or an option, it was a direction and or a requirement for a happy life. I received a reward for the following directions. The response to Mom and Dad wasn’t “I don’t want to” or “if I can fit it in” – it was a no compromise or negotiation direction. It was required. I can’t tell you how many times I begrudgingly went to hoe corn and pull weeds – because it was a requirement. And if I didn’t do well there was some kind of result that was not any more favorable.

For all of us I’m thinking how are we responding to the teachings of Jesus and the direction of the Holy Spirit as we are asked to do something. Do we respond, “if I can”? It is not a question of gifts, talents, and abilities in responding, as if God is calling us to something, our every need for completion will be supplied. It is necessary to respond in “Lord, Here I am Send me” (Isaiah 6:8) Our response should never be “If I Can”.

Is this the problem in our lives today. The way we respond to direction from God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Is it that we don’t want to leave our own ways, comforts, and abilities to do what God is calling or directing us to do. Is this where the church is lacking? The work that is done to make the comfortable more comfortable and forget those who need to know and see Jesus.

The Disciples and followers of Jesus, those who were committed at all costs, listened and responded exactly as Jesus directed. The results: The Holy Spirit was poured out and received, in a life changing, soul saving, gospel spreading way. Their response to Jesus – “through you all things is possible.” It changed the world – and still does today. May we respond in the same way and see the Holy Spirit revealed causing revival once again.   

Merciful God – Forgive me when I have not listened or followed. Forgive me when other things have drawn me away from you. Forgive me when I have made other things my priorities. May I respond to your call, without considering the cost. In Jesus name I pray Amen