The Gospel According to the Little Red Hen (adapted by Roger Thomas with apologies to Mother Goose)
Once upon a time, there was a church. One day, the Lord found a lost and dying world, enslaved in sin and destined for hell.
Roger Thomas
“Who will share the Gospel with those who know now the way of life eternal?” said He.
“Not I,” said the elder.
“Not I,” said the deacon.
“Not I,” said the Sunday School worker.
“Not I,” said the choir member.
“Not I,” said the member.
“Very well then,” said the Lord. “I will find someone else.” And He did!
After some time, the Gospel seed sprouted and grew. “Who will teach these young in faith the way of righteousness and truth?” asked the Lord.
“Not I,” said the elder. “I have other things to do.”
“Not I,” said the deacon. “That’s not my job.”
“Not I,” said the choir member. “I don’t like the deacon.”
“Not I,” said the member. “Let the Sunday School worker do it.”
“Very well then,” said the Lord. “I will find someone else to teach my Word.” And He did!
“Now,” said the Lord, “the church has children and teenagers. Who will shepherd and direct them in my ways?”
“Not I,” said the elder. “That’s not my job.”
“Not I,” said the deacon. “I don’t like the choir member.”
“Not I,” said the Sunday School teacher. “I have other things to do.”
“Not I,” said the choir member. “Let the member do it.”
“Very well then,” said the Lord. “I will find another.” And He did!
Again, the Lord said, “The meeting house needs some work. Who will help clean it, mend its roof, paint its walls so that it may bring honor to my name and joy to those who gather there?”
“Not I,” said the deacon. “I have other things to do.”
“Not I,” said the Sunday School teacher. “That’s not my job.”
“Not I,” said the member. “Let the deacon do it.”
“Very well,” said the Lord. “I will find someone else.” And He did!
Later, the Lord said, “Some of my children are in need. Who will share what is theirs so that others may have?”
“Not I,” said the elder. “Let the deacon do it.”
“Not I,” said the deacon. “Let the Sunday School teacher do it.”
“Not I,” said the Sunday School teacher. “Let the choir member do it.”
“Not I,” said the choir member. “Let the member do it.”
“Not I,” said the member. “Let the elder do it.”
“Very well then,” said the Lord. “I will find someone else.” And He did!
Eventually, after the Gospel was preached, the weak taught, the young guided, the meeting hours repaired, and those in need helped, the Lord said, “Who will share in the joys of Christian service? Who will come taste the blessings of faithfulness? Who will know the fruit of spiritual growth?”
This story with a twist carries a very important lesson. Each of us has a choice to make it is a choice of service to our Lord.
Because of the provisions God has made, every Christian needs to heed the call to service. Let’s look at the provisions through God’s dealings with Jeremiah.
- The call of God (Jeremiah 1:4-10)
- Jeremiah is set apart
- Jeremiah responds
- The Lord’s assurance
- The command of God (Jeremiah 1:17-19)
- There was trouble ahead for the nation. Jeremiah was called to address the spiritual needs that identified the trouble.
- God will strengthen His servant
- Get ready for your work
- The commitment of God (Jeremiah 1:11-12)
- God is watching over His work
- God commits Himself to care for us as we serve Him
Because of the provisions God has made, each of us needs to heed and act upon the call of God to service.
If I were to ask you what your vocation is, I believe I could predict the types of answers you would give.
I am a teacher. I am an accountant. I am a firefighter. I am a doctor.
These statements would be true from one perspective. May I suggest another? My vocation is to be a Christian who serves the Lord. My avocation is my means of livelihood.
Today, I call you to make a conscious commitment to being a Christian servant, your primary vocation.
Irvin's Legacy 