Thanksgiving Choirs

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This sermon discusses the OT book of Nehemiah, chapter 12, where the writer makes reference to "thanksgiving choirs" that were utilized in the celebration when the rebuilt wall around Jerusalem was dedicated. The sermon provides some contextual details and then points out four observations from the passage and applies them to our responsibility to join the Lord's "thanksgiving choirs."

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Nehemiah was a Jew living in exile in Persia. He was a cupbearer to the king of Persia, so he held a very trusted position of importance. He had received word from some who had already returned to Israel from exile that the walls of the city were still in total ruin. He grieved over the condition and he received authorization from the king to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. 

There was great opposition from their enemies, who lied about them and tried to undermine their efforts. You probably remember hearing how Nehemiah organized families to rebuild portions of the wall near their homes. He also organized them so that some were working while others stood guard; as well as even having some carry their weapons while they worked. Once the work was finished, it was time to celebrate. 

(Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary) This ceremony of consecrating the wall and gates of the city was an act of piety on the part of Nehemiah, not merely to thank God in a general way for having been enabled to bring the building to a happy completion, but especially because that city was the place which He had chosen. It also contained the temple, which was hallowed by the manifestation of His presence, and anew set apart to His service. It was on these accounts that Jerusalem was called "the holy city," and by this public and solemn act of religious observance, after a long period of neglect and desecration, it was, as it were, restored to its rightful proprietor. The dedication consisted in a solemn ceremonial, in which the leading authorities, accompanied by the Levitical singers, summoned from all parts of the country, and by a vast concourse of people, marched in imposing procession round the city walls, and, pausing at intervals to engage in united praises, prayer, and sacrifices, supplicated the continued presence, favor, and blessing on "the holy city." 

In verse 31, Nehemiah stated that he “appointed two thanksgiving choirs,” which provided the idea for my sermon title today. One choir went to the right hand on the wall...

Verse 38, the other thanksgiving choir is mentioned as going the other direction on the wall.

Verse 40, both thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God.

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, before we celebrate the sacrament of communion, I want to point out a few observations from the account of the Thanksgiving Choirs in Nehemiah.

1.         Singers, musicians, and others were reinstated to their former responsibilities. (vv. 27-29)

One of the things that Nehemiah and also Ezra did was to re-establish the groups of singers and musicians the way King David had set them up years earlier. These musicians are summoned to Jerusalem to help celebrate the dedication of the wall.

Decades had passed and there was a lot of sorrow and heartache that they had experienced, but God kept His promise to bring them back to their own country. God isn’t finished with them yet as a nation, and those who had been tasked with leading the people in praise to the Lord were once again put into service, as before.

There may be various reasons why some even today experience a long separation from the worship and praise of God. But God isn’t finished with us. If we return to Him and cooperate with Him, He will still give us the opportunity to be useful in His service again.

2.         There is an expected preparation required to be fit for the true worship of God. (v. 30)

Nehemiah 12:30 (NKJV) Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall. 

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – The verb [purified] occurs ninety-four times. It is used almost exclusively of ritual or moral purity, most frequently of the purification necessary to restore someone who had contracted impurity to a state of purity so that he might participate in ritual activities (Lev 22:4-7). The Levites are said to have cleansed all that was holy in the temple (1Ch 23:28) and the temple itself (2Ch 29:15) during the times of revival. Ritual purification was intended to teach God’s holiness and moral purity (Leviticus 16:30 For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.).

God had laid down very strict procedures for purifying the priests, Levites, utensils, and buildings that were to be used in the service of God. It was a direct object lesson for them to illustrate the “otherness” of God and the fact that God cannot tolerate any kind of moral/ethical impurity or evil. 

That’s why Paul in his letter to the Corinthians says, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.” (1 Cor. 10:21) We either belong to God or to the devil. We can’t have a little of both.

The true worship of God with the kind of joy expressed here requires the worshipers to be pure – wholly devoted to God and God alone.

3.         The singers (choirs) were full of joy and enthusiasm. (vv. 42-43)

The Scripture says that they sang “loudly,” and they rejoiced with “great joy.” It also states that the women and children were included in addition to the designated singers or choirs.

It is hard to comprehend or imagine the excitement and celebration that was happening. The enthusiasm flowing through the crowds of people must have been profound. They certainly had reason to celebrate… Defeated, exiled, city / temple destroyed, and wall broken down in ruins. Now that has all been recovered at least to a large degree.

They were expressing their joy so intensely; it is described in verse 43 that the “joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” I wonder if people around us feel the “joy of Wayside Church?” Are we a people that are excited about what God has done for us; individually and collectively?

4.         It appears that all of the joy and celebration motivated generosity among the people. (vv. 44-45)

It may be nothing more than a reporting of what was happening – i.e. the tithes were collected. However, it does specifically mention, “for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered.”

After God brought them back into their own land, helped them rebuild the temple and the wall, and now has been worshiped and praised in the dedication festivities, there is a level of excitement and joy building that is contagious. Contagious spiritual joy almost always produces generosity. These Jews were bringing their tithes and gifts so that the priests and Levites could be supported just like God originally ordained years earlier.

Even today, when people get excited and joyful over the things God is doing for them, they want to share the joy with others through a genuine spirit of giving, benevolence and generosity that results.

Conclusion:

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, I hope that everyone of us will accept the privilege of being in God’s “Thanksgiving choir” spiritually speaking.

Communion is a special time to thank God for His salvation.

Closing Song: There Is a Fountain

A Hymn of Praise

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This sermon is based on Psalms 103 and expresses the appropriateness of giving praise to the Lord at all times, but especially during the season when our nation recognizes a national day of Thanksgiving. In the Psalm, David provides an appeal for personal praise; a sampling of God’s attributes; and an exhortation for universal praise. 

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a class at Grove City College called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.” It truly gave me a much larger, different and better perspective on the topic of “missions” than I previously had. I think it was the very first class in which the instructor reminded us that our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. We are expected and instructed to offer Him all our adoration and praise. 

That instructor is also the one who first introduced me to “Cat and Dog Theology!” 

A cat says: “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God.”

A dog says: “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, You must be God.”

Cat theology – What can I get or benefit from God? Dog theology – How can I honor/bless/direct praise to God? “Dogs” worship God primarily for Who He is. “Cats” worship God primarily for what He’s done for them.

There was another instructor later in the course who made the statement, “God deserves to be worshiped by every person in the world.”

During this time of the year we are encouraged to express our thanks to God as we celebrate the National Day of Thanksgiving. It is fitting and right for us to give thanks to the Lord for all the daily blessings He provides for us, but we must always realize that God is worthy to be praised and worshiped even if He didn’t give us so many wonderful blessings. Why? Because worship is all about Him, not us.

So today, I want to direct our attention to a Psalm that gives us some clear admonitions about offering praise to the Lord. I have referred to this Psalm as “A Hymn of Praise.” You may know that many of the Psalms were sung by the ancient Jews during sacrifices at the temple. In fact, King David organized teams of musicians to take turns providing music at the temple. So I think it is very appropriate to call this Psalm “A Hymn of Praise.”

What does King David have to say regarding the matter of giving praise to the Lord?

David provides an appeal for personal praise; a sampling of God’s attributes; and an exhortation for universal praise.

Let’s review the verses of the Psalm to discover what David has to say about these matters.

I.          An Appeal for Personal Praise (vv. 1-5)

“Bless” – The Hebrew word used here stems from the word for “knee” and is believed to be linked to the usual custom of kneeling to receive a blessing.

(The Treasury of David, Charles Spurgeon) - You have often heard, that when God is said to bless men, and they on the other hand are excited to bless him, the word is taken in two very different senses. God is the only fountain of being and happiness, from which all good ever flows; and hence he is said to bless his creatures when he bestows mercies and favors upon them, gives them any endowments of body and mind, delivers them from evils, and is the source of their present comforts and future hopes. But in this sense, you will see there is no possibility of any creature [to bless] God; for … his infinite and unblemished perfection renders him incapable of receiving any higher excellency, or improvement in happiness; …. To bless God, then, is, … to acknowledge those divine excellencies, which render him the best and greatest of beings, the only object worthy of the highest adoration: it is to give him the praise of all those glorious attributes which adorn his nature, and are so conspicuously manifested in his works and ways. 

A. Praise shall come from the “soul.”

1. “Soul” – “represents the whole man” (Keil & Delitzsch). That aspect which joins the spirit and body thus representing the whole person.

2. “All that is within me” – (NIV) “my inmost being.” (BDB; TWOT) “inward part(s).”

(Keil and Delitzsch Commentary) The ‏[inward parts]‎ is choice expression for the heart, which is called ‏…the reins, the liver, etc.; for according to the scriptural conception (Psychology, S. 266; tr. p. 313) these organs of the cavities of the breast and abdomen serve not merely for the bodily life, but also the psycho-spiritual life. 

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) …he has nothing else in mind than a full commitment to the act of giving thanks. There is no thought of a separation between “soul” and “inmost being” (lit., “my inner parts”) or between “soul” and “body,” because in Hebraic thought the worshiper praises the Lord with his or her entire being.

Therefore, though the words “soul” and “inmost being” or “all that is within me” are used, the point clearly is that we are to direct praise to the Lord with every aspect and fiber of our whole being.

B. Praise shall be directed to the Lord.

1. Lord (YaHWeH) This is the same word that God used to reveal Himself to Moses, “I Am that I Am.” The All-Present One; The All-Sufficient One…

As I stated at the beginning of the message, the Lord deserves the adoration, worship and praise of every living creature in the world. 

C. Praise includes thanks for His benefits

1. Forgiveness of sins

Psalm 103:3 (NKJV)  Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 

 (Tyndale Commentaries) He begins by remembering that God forgives sin. Sin creates a barrier between humanity and a holy God, but God will forgive the sin of a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17 _(KJV)  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.). 

2. Healing

Psalm 103:3 (NKJV)  Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 

 (Tyndale Commentaries) - Indeed, the connection between forgiving sin and healing may indicate that the psalmist himself is thanking God for healing him from sickness that he believed was connected to his sin (a connection made explicit in Psalm 38:3, There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin.).

I’ve heard preachers use this verse to “prove” that God will heal every disease if we believe Him and trust Him. Emphasis on “all.” They say “all your diseases” is to be understood in the same way as “all your iniquities” in the first half of the verse. However, we know from comparing other Scripture and using Scripture to interpret Scripture, that God does not always heal every disease.

My answer is this: He forgives all the sins that are within His will to forgive, and He heals all diseases that are within His will to heal. According to the Bible, there is only one sin that God will not forgive – the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

3. Redemption

Psalm 103:4 (NKJV)  Who redeems your life from destruction… 

Redeems from the “destruction.” The NIV translates as “pit.” It is the same word sometimes translated as “grave” and “hell.”

4. Crowning of life and Satisfying desires

Psalm 103:4-5 (NKJV) … Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, ⁵  Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

 (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) The Lord “satisfies” and “renews.” He “satisfies” his children with all the blessings of the covenant … so as to “renew” them like an “eagle” (Isa 40:31). The eagle serves as a symbol of vigor and freedom associated with the benefits of restoration to divine favor and covenantal status.

II.        A Sampling of God’s Attributes (vv. 6-19)

These verses discuss some of the attributes of God who is our object of praise. Remember, He deserves to be praised and honored for Who He is, not merely for what He does.

There are four specific attributes mentioned here, with the third one described in much more detail than the others.

A. Righteousness and Justice (v. 6)

Psalm 103:6 (NLT2)  The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 

B. Self-Revealing (v. 7)

Psalm 103:7 (NLT2)  He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 

The heathens worshiped gods and goddesses who were always shrouded and hidden in mystery, so that the worshipers were constantly “searching to find out what pleases them and what they expected.” In contrast, our God reveals His character/nature; He openly states what pleases Him; He performs deeds that reflect His nature.

C. Merciful and Gracious (vv. 8-18)

Psalm 103:8-18 _(NLT2) The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. ⁹  He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. ¹⁰  He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. ¹¹  For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. ¹²  He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. ¹³  The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. ¹⁴  For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. ¹⁵  Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. ¹⁶  The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. ¹⁷  But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children ¹⁸  of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 

D. Sovereign (v. 19)

Psalm 103:19 _(NLT2)  The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. 

III.       An Exhortation for Universal Praise (vv. 20-22)

(Matthew Henry) The Lord has a throne of his own, a throne of glory, a throne of government…. He takes [notice] of all the inhabitants, and all the affairs of this lower world, and disposes all persons and things according to the counsel of his will to his own glory; His Kingdom rules over… all kingdoms and from it there is no exempt jurisdiction.”

A. Praise must come from heavenly beings. (vv. 20-21)

1. They are called angels and hosts.

2. They possess strength unequaled on earth.

3. They obey and serve.

B. Praise must come from His works. (v. 22)

“Works” – That is, God’s creation. His works are located or evident in all places of God’s dominion or universe.

Psalm 19:1-4 _(NLT2) The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. ²  Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. ³  They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. ⁴  Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 

C. Praise must come from Psalmist himself. 

Last phrase is a repetition of the opening lines in verses 1 & 2. 

It looks as if King David, after exhorting all of God’s creatures and creation to praise the Lord, wants to make sure to include himself in that same chorus of praise.

Conclusion:

As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends this season, let us all be sure to give praise, honor and adoration to the Lord.

He is worthy to be praised!

There is no one who compares to Him!

Closing Song: Let All Things Now Living

The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil

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This sermon is based on the parable told by Jesus in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8 about the four kinds of soil upon which the seed of the Word has fallen. The message uses the interpretation Jesus provided regarding each of the soils and applies them to the present day. Emphasis was given for listeners to do what is necessary to make sure the soil of their own hearts is properly prepared to produce a good harvest.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

The passage of Scripture we will be looking at today is one of the parables that Jesus gave to teach an important point about salvation and the kingdom of God. Parables were usually realistic stories about different facets of life that included a life lesson. They were not necessarily real incidents, but they were reflections of real life. They always brought out a vivid bit of truth to illustrate key principles of the Kingdom of God.

Today’s parable is a story that clearly relates to farming or gardening. Any farmers/gardeners here? This is a teaching story that shares some great insights about the effectiveness of God’s Word in the lives of people who receive it.

I want to turn our attention first of all to the Sower and the Seed because they are constant amid a description of soil that is changing.

1. The Sower – In the parable itself, every hearer would understand the sower to be a farmer, gardener, or some other tiller of the ground. 

The sower is not identified in the parable or even in the explanation of the parable provided by Jesus. The closest we find to any kind of identity for the sower is given in the parallel passage of Mark 4:14, “The sower sows the word.”

Who sows the word? Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, teacher, and every disciple of Jesus. All followers of Jesus are called to make disciples. That includes spreading the word.

2. The Seed – The seed represents the Word of God. 

Luke 8:11 (NKJV)  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Just a couple of weeks ago I spoke about the Word of God. It is authoritative; reliable; and effective. 

It is given by inspiration of God – literally “God-breathed.”

It is an instrument of conviction – Heb. 4:12, “quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

It is an instrument of instruction and enlightenment. Ps. 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

It is forever established. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Word shall never pass away.”

When we talk about this story and the effectiveness of the seed, we are not just talking about today’s newspaper or headline news, but we are speaking about the infallible and all-important word of God.

3. The Soil – When Jesus gives the explanation of the parable, He describes the condition of the soil and how it reacts to the seed. 

There are four different kinds of soil that Jesus describes for us that represent the four different kinds of reactions the Word of God has in the hearts and lives of individuals who receive the Word.

A. Wayside Soil – The first kind of soil mentioned is described in the KJV as along the “wayside.”

Some other translations use the word “path” or “road.”

This description highlights the fact that Jesus was probably describing a sower that is “broadcasting” seed; not planting it under the surface of the soil as we normally would do in our culture.

In Matthew’s portrayal of the parable, Jesus says the seed by the path/wayside represents the Word that is heard but is not readily understood. In Mark and Luke’s reports, it emphasizes the fact that Satan comes and snatches the Word before it has a chance to get down into the ground.

There is the implication of “hardness” because of the path/road that has been traveled so much it has packed the earth. So the seed cannot penetrate the soil before the birds/devil comes and snatches the seed away before it can take root.

The “soil” of this heart needs to be plowed, dug up and softened in order to take the Word in.

B. Stony Soil – The heart of a person who hears the Word and receives it with joy (gladly). To him it is good news!

There is no depth. Stones haven’t completely prevented the introduction of seed into the earth, but they prevent the seed from getting any roots deep after germination.

The stones would represent all those things that rob a person of the amount of time and attention it would take to dig deeply so the roots of faith can grow deeper and stronger.

Jesus says the thing that destroys the seed/Word in this person’s life is persecution and opposition.

C. Thorny Soil – This soil is described as soil that has something else growing alongside the seed of the Word.

The soil isn’t hard, and it isn’t shallow apparently, but it is producing thorns and thistles right along with the good seed.

Jesus said that the thorns represent two/three different things:

1) Cares of life – Everyday cares, burdens and pressures of life. Anything that seems legitimate, but it takes our focus and vision off of spiritual priorities and onto material/physical matters.

2) Deceitfulness of riches – Just a little bit more will be enough.

I’ll just postpone attending to spiritual needs for a little while until I acquire… / until I accomplish…

Every time a decision is made to neglect the attention needed for spiritual development and growth it becomes easier to do it again. Procrastination is contagious.

3) Desires for other things/Pleasures – Matthew does not add this third category, but it is mentioned in Mark and Luke.

Things that appeal to the desires of the flesh and can be bought with the deceiving riches.

The effect of these thorns is fruitlessness. The plant has grown, but it is bare. It is good for nothing. It has produced no fruit to bless and benefit anyone.

This is the person that lasted much longer than the ones who encountered persecution and tribulations and died out. But over the course of time allowed other priorities to choke out the attention to the Word and the fruit that it should naturally bear.

(JFB) They still have the form or profession (the plant) but it doesn’t bring any fruit to ripened condition.

D. Good Soil – The implication is that the good soil has the opposite conditions and qualities of the previous three.

Not hard. Not stony (has depth). Not overrun with thorns.

Fruit – the proof of good soil and proper nurture of the seed and plants.

Conclusion:

Which kind of soil are you? Which kind of soil am I? 

We can rely on the work of the Spirit to help us properly prepare “the soil of our hearts,” but He won’t do it for us.

There is some responsibility on our part to tend to the heart soil. God won’t take away the stones and cause us to have some depth. He won’t remove the thorns that choke out the plant life, so we stay focused on spiritual things rather than worldly things.

Those are our responsibilities. May the Lord help us to take care of our heart life.

The seed is powerful and wonderful if we give it the proper attention and care.

Closing song: Wonderful Words of Life

A Normal Christian Life

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In recognition of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, this sermon was given based on 2 Timothy 3:12, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." The message emphasizes the fact that suffering for the name of Christ was a normal expectation for first century Christians and for thousands or millions of Christians today.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

What is normal? Someone said, “’Normal’ is the setting on your washing machine!” Some psychologists have promoted the idea that no one is “normal.” Every person has some psycho-social hang-ups, or personality quirks. I think this might be a definition we all can agree on: Normal is whatever I am; abnormal is whatever you are!

How do we apply the word “normal” to the Christian Life? What is normal for the Christian? I suppose we could develop another series of messages on this topic, couldn’t we?  If we took a poll of all the Christians we know and asked them what the Christian life is normally like, we probably would get some very interesting responses.

Among all of the different answers we could provide for what a “normal Christian life” involves, there is one answer provided for us in the Bible. It is normal for Christians to face opposition from the enemies of Christ.

Today, as we give recognition to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly look at some of the passages in the Bible which describe persecution as a normal part of being a Christian.

In Paul’s 2^nd letter to Timothy he literally states, “all who will live godly shall suffer persecution.”

With the help of God’s Spirit, I want to speak about the conditions that foster persecution; the Christian expectation of persecution; and the preparation to overcome persecution.

The Conditions that foster persecution:

2 Tim. 3:1-9

This section of chapter three the Apostle Paul describes the conditions of the “last days” and “perilous times.” 

For a long time, people have debated about what exactly Paul means by the term “last days.” Some believe it is referring to the end of time, while others point out that biblical writers (Hebrews for example), considered their own era as the “last days.” 

“God has, in these last days, spoken unto us by His Son.” (Heb. 1:2)

My purpose today is not to discuss the exact period of time Paul is describing, but to simply point out the kind of time he is describing. It is a time when people have turned away from the truth in pursuit of all types of pleasure and self-gratification. Those conditions are ripe for evil to excel and righteousness to be attacked. 

We have seen limited instances of people suffering legal attacks and even some physical attacks for their faith in this country. I believe with all my heart that if we do not experience a genuine revival and spiritual awakening in our country then we will witness a continuing rise of persecution that will progressively get more severe.

The Christian expectation of persecution:

2 Tim. 3:10-13

Paul clearly indicates that persecution is a normal expectation for the child of God living in a spiritually hostile world. Paul isn’t the only one that felt persecution was a normal part of the Christian’s life.

John 15:20 (NKJV) Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Acts 14:21-22 (NKJV) And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

The Preparation to overcome persecution:

2 Tim. 3:14-17

It is not accidental that Paul emphasizes the value of Scripture in this context of suffering persecution in an environment of evil. It is as if he is blaring the truth out – the most reliable remedy against persecution is immersion in the Word of God.

Mark 4:16-17 (NKJV) These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; ^[17] and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.

Contrast the condition of these represented in the parable with the people Paul is describing when he writes to the Corinthian believers.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Conclusion:

We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ. 

We need to be preparing ourselves for the potential time we may also suffer for Christ. (Immerse ourselves in the Word of God.)

We must realize that no amount of persecution can separate us from the love of Christ.

Romans 8:35 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Our closing song asks a question: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?”

Am I prepared to fight the good fight of faith, recognizing that there are going to be hard battles and that it is not going to be easy? Am I prepared to endure hardship as a good Soldier and even suffer at the hands of those who hate our Lord? Neither Jesus nor the Apostles presented the gospel message and the Christian life as something that was going to be nice and easy, or a “bed of roses” as we sometimes say.

Why Do I Feel this Way?

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This sermon is based on Psalms 77 in which the author describes a time in his life when he felt alone and abandoned by God. Even memories of past blessings raise more questions about why the present circumstances are so different. However, focusing his thoughts on what is revealed about God's character and miracles for Israel brings him present comfort and confidence for the future.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

In November of 1942 US and Japanese forces were engaged in a heated battle for Guadalcanal in the Pacific. US ships had arrived to resupply Allied forces when word was received that the enemy ships were closing in. 

A fierce battle ensued between the ships in the night. Ships on both sides were sunk, and the light cruiser USS Juneau was torpedoed. The next morning the cruiser was limping along with five other ships when they encountered a Japanese submarine. Once again, the USS Juneau was torpedoed near the previous hit and its munitions magazine exploded causing the ship to break in two and sink.

Due to the tremendous explosion and the ongoing threat from the enemy sub, the other ships pulled away without looking for survivors, assuming all had perished. However, out of the nearly 700 crew members on the USS Juneau, approximately 115 had survived, but were abandoned to fight for survival in the waters for days. By the time a rescue was made 8 days later, there were only 10 survivors.

This was the ship on which the five Sullivan brothers perished.

This story is just one example out of thousands in which people have been abandoned to die. It is hard to imagine the thoughts and feelings in the minds and hearts of those sailors as they realized they were being left behind.

The Psalm that was read earlier in the service seems to imply that the author knows all about how abandonment feels. However, he didn’t allow those feelings to destroy him. He found a way to rise above them and come through the dark times victoriously.

Let’s look at the Psalm to discover how he rises above the darkness and fears.

I.        Circumstances in life cause a feeling of abandonment. (vv. 1-9)

(verses 1-2) The song of Asaph begins with a lament. He doesn’t specify what the problem is that has distressed him so much, which makes it a perfect pattern for later worshipers to use it also in their unique situations. (Tyndale Commentary)

Whatever has caused his distress, it drove him to cry out to God throughout the night. He cries out to the Lord with outstretched hands. His soul refused to be comforted which may be another way of saying, “I haven’t found any satisfactory answers for the overwhelming problems I face right now.”

Perhaps some of us have been in these kinds of circumstances where we find ourselves in such distressing situations that all we seem to be able to do is lament over the situation. Nothing seems to be providing a satisfactory answer.

Other expressions of abandonment in the Psalms:

Psalm 74:1 (NKJV) O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? 

Psalm 88:14 (NKJV) LORD, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? 

(verses 3-6) In these verses the Psalmist remembers God’s actions in the past and it continues to cause him pain, at least for now, because it seems to be contrary to what is happening now.

These thoughts keep him awake at night. (4)

Initially, these memories do not comfort him, but raise even more questions.

(Tyndale Commentary) “The contrast between the happy past and the agonizing present just seem to heighten his sadness.”

Sometimes we feel like saying, "Lord, just last year (or some other time frame), you demonstrated your power and you provided relief; or you provided deliverance, or healing… (whatever He did. You fill in the blank.) So, why aren’t you doing something now?"

(verses 7-9) he asks a series of questions that give expression to the true feelings of his heart. 

One source (Tyndale) seems to view these questions as the Psalmist peppering God with questions, trying to “prod Him into action.”

Another writer (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised), says the questions are actually therapeutic for the Psalmist because they essentially cause him to realize that none of them can be true. 

It does us good sometimes to just allow ourselves to think through our feelings and push our thoughts to their logical conclusions. Do I really think God has forsaken me forever? Has He really lost His power? Has He stopped His mercy toward me? Have His promises failed? Well, no. That would be ridiculous! I’ve always believed the Word of God and I’ve found Him to be faithful time and time again.

II.            Reviewing God’s mighty deeds produces comfort and confidence. (vv. 10-20)

This section testifies to a turnaround in the psalmist’s thinking. He appeals to the past, and in particular to God’s great acts in history (the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand). Rather than concentrating and obsessing on his present condition, he resolves to look to the past when God worked his miracles of rescue. (Tyndale Commentaries)

A few stanzas earlier the Psalmist was reminiscing about what God had done in the past and it seemed to bring more sadness over the current circumstances because of the contrast between then and now. But it’s almost as though the tough questions in 7-9 prompted Asaph to expand his thinking to recall God’s miraculous deeds that have been recorded for everyone to know.

There is a lot more to know and remember about the past than just my own experiences. What about all of the other things God has done; especially the things recorded in Scripture?

(verses 10-12) The remembrance of the age-old acts of God is the basis for faith. God has been, is, and will always be. The reflection on his acts in the past is comforting to those who need him in the present…. The psalmist chose his words carefully so as to create the impression that he is reflecting on the Lord’s works in their great variety: in creation, redemption, judgment, and salvation. (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised)

v. 11 – “I WILL remember…” (emphasis mine) A willful decision about what I am going to concentrate on.

(verses 13-20) As Asaph begins to think about all that God has done for the Israelites in the past, he is reminded that there is no other god that compares to the Lord. No one is so great. No one is so strong. No one has brought a nation out of bondage and redeemed them like the God of Jacob. Now, with his focus clearly on the works of God, the Psalmist poetically describes the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and bringing them through the Red Sea.

Illustrations of God’s power in OT  = Exodus; in the NT  = Resurrection

When he gets focused on these mighty acts of God in the past, it does bring comfort and it also brings confidence, knowing that God is still the same and will bring about a deliverance in His own time and in His own way. 

Important to move from comforting stage to confidence stage.

Conclusion:

Have you had those times when you felt like God had abandoned you? 

Do our current feelings cancel out all the miraculous wonders God has performed in the past? Do they disprove all that the Bible reveals about His nature and character? NO!

Like the Psalmist, let’s choose to focus on who God is and the miraculous power He has often displayed in order to bring us comfort today and confidence for tomorrow.

Closing Song:   O God, Our Help in Ages Past