Jehovah Sabaoth - The LORD of Hosts (2)

Introduction

Veterans Day or Armistace Day as it was then called until 1954, celebrates American veterans patriotism, love of their country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It is celebrated November 11th, when the major hostilities were formally ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

It is proper to show appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for the safety of their country. It is also proper to thank God who has greatly blessed with peace in our nation. Besides the civil war 1861-65 their have not been any formal wars on U.S. soil.

One particular man who helped demoralize the Germans and bring about the surrender of a 132 German troops was a sargeant named Allen York. He is kin to Brother George our World War II veteran. He sought to save lives through picking off the German Machine gunman that were slaughtering soldiers by hundreds if not thousands. York was a marksman mighty in battle through the Lord. He sought to ultimately save life as he saw its destruction. Which reminds me of our Lord Jesus Christ, my friend did for me. He loved me so much he died on the cross so that I might not die, but have eternal life. I am reminded that Jesus is the King of Glory.

As we read in Psalm 24 “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” We are reminded that the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth is the ultimate victor in battle. Jesus Christ won the battle not one of guns and bullets, but one of far greater scope. He won a spiritual battle that guarantees life and freedom to all who accept the terms of peace for its victory: Faith that Jesus died in your place on the cross, shedding His blood for the forgiveness of your sins, and rising bodily from the grave three days later. My friend, he can free you from sins bondage and give you His abundant resurrection life. Because He is Jehovah Sabaoth the Lord of Hosts who won the battle.

Now in Psalm 84 we find the results of the victories of the Lord of Hosts. His victory allows peace in the land for Israel and the establishment of a place for the national worship of Jehovah Sabaoth. Likewise, faith in the victory of Jesus Christ, my Savior, over Satan, death, and sin establishes everlasting peace between me and God. (Romans 5:1)

As we read Psalm 84, which Spurgeon the Prince of Preachers calls the pearl of the Psalms, I want you to observe the blessings and also the sure foundation of putting your trust in Jehovah Sabaoth, Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Psalm 84 “To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; The rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: Give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, And look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

D. Jehovah Sabaoth is the Lord of Hosts.

P. Jehovah Sabaoth is the Lord of every Christians soldier and it is through Him we can enjoy restored and fruitful relationship.

T. However, do you find that although you may be a Christian going to church is sometimes just an obligation you do? You perhaps you do it, because you know the Bible says do it. This morning as we have honored our veterans we are now seeking to honor the Lord of Hosts, Jesus Christ. This morning we are going to look a t three ways we can honor the Lord of hosts in how we uphold him in our lives.

Jehovah Sabaoth’s house is Pleasant. 84:1-2, 10

Psalm 84:1–2 “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”

Psalm 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Explain:

1. An amiable house

The word underlying amiable is used in other contexts to describe a beloved, or very dear loved one. From this we understand the place of God’s house to the Psalmist. It was a place near and dear to his heart.

As we read the opening verses of this Psalm we see the Psalmist desire to be at the Tabernacle. The Psalmist does use the plural, tabernacles, which might make you wonder. I thought there was only one tabernacle. That is true. When the Psalmists uses the plural tabernacles he is speaking of it fulness and all its parts as their was the courtyard with the bronze altar, the Holy place inside tabernacle itself with the candlestick, table of shewbread, and altar of incense, beyond that was the holiest room of all called the holy of holies where the ark of the covenant of God rested. The ark of the covenant with with the two cherubims looking towards one another signified the very presence of God with His people.

It was here at the tabernacle that the people of God could offer sacrifice to God and be reconciled to God through the offering of an animal as God’s law prescribed. It was a place of restoration and fellowship between God and his people and symbolized the very presence of God amongst his people.

I am humbled on two counts.

The Scripture teaches my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God and that he does not need a building to dwell in, but he dwells within us. 1 Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

The promise of Jesus is that where two or three are gathered in His name he is in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Growing up: the place I wanted to be was Grandma and Grandpa Diedrich’s house. For Jane, my daughter it is much the same way. There is something special about a grandparents love, seeing all your cousins. Yesterday, Jane cried when it was time to part.

For veterans and for soldiers you probably had times in your active duty as you were separated from family and loved ones. It was difficult to say good by and it was difficult being a way. Such is the relationship we should have with the Lord and his church. We ought to love being with God and His people. They are family through faith in Christ Jesus.

Progression inward of the Lord’s House

The time of a feast.

For the children of Israel they had three pilgrimage feasts each year to the tabernacle at Passover, Pentecost/Weeks, and Tabernacles. These were feasts the children of Israel took time to rejoice before the Lord in the place He chose for them to worship.

The closest thing to this today are our celebrations of Christmas and Easter celebrating Christ’s birth and resurrection.

Also there was weekly sabbath’s to remember to rest because the Lord had given them rest from their bondage in Egypt. We likewise set aside Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection, because the Lord Jesus has given us rest from sin and salvation forever.

Today God now desires for worshippers who do so in Spirit and truth, not necessarily at a prescribed location. Location is no longer important, but the corporate body of believers meeting together is important. (Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

The Psalmist would appreciate the words of the Baptist Hymnist John Fawcett who wrote Blest be the Tie that Binds.

Fourth Verse: When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain; But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.

I hope the communion in Christ is something your heart craves as the Psalmist. When we know Christ and enjoy Him we also enjoy and desire the fellowship of our fellow Christians.

The time of peace

Going to the house of the Lord was a time of rejoicing and worship of the LORD of Hosts.

The Lord of Hosts was the source of their rest. Through the subduing of their enemies and of his blessings in their land.

The American soldier secures our rest by fighting our battles.

Through the peace American soldiers have allowed in our nation we can enjoy the blessings of our land.

On November 11, 1988, at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, President Ronald Reagan stated:

We have faith that as He does all His sacred children, the Lord will bless you and keep you, the Lord will make His face to shine upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore.3712

Ronald Reagan (United States President)

Passion for the Lord’s House

Psalm 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Look at two ways this passion affected his values: 1 day in church was worth more than nearly three years of life and a menial job at church was far better to him than having lots of space with wicked people

The Psalmist valued 1 day in God’s house more than nearly 3 years of his life.

Why is it then that so many people who profess Christ place so little value on his church, being faithful members, and attending the services? S-I-N, sin.

I meet people who claim Christ, but want nothing to do with his church. This is oxymoron. It is a person deceived. What did Christ give for His church? His life. Ephesians 5:25 “…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” To hate church is like saying to a parent I love you, but I hate your kids. I say, you love me, by loving my kids. You can’t claim to love God and hate those He died for.

Psalmist would much rather have a menial door keeper job than having lots of space with wicked people.

Do you enjoy the company of God’s people so much that you would take a menial job, so that you could be on church on Sunday?

Do you value God’s house so much that you are willing to forgo the pleasures of the wicked to observe and honor the Lord’s day.

What keeps you from church services? Is it family, sports, worldly pleasures or a job?

The Psalmist put a high premium to be in God’s house.

Why don’t I, put a high

Argue:

Why isn’t church a place that is pleasurable to me?

I have forgotten the price paid.

I have sought selfish pleasures.

I have unforgiveness in my life.

Do you think God delights in the worship of a Christian who can’t wait for the service to be over so he can go eat lunch, go back to the TV set, or just get on with their busy lives? God wants us to be glad to go to the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Illustrate:

Apply:

We ought to have a passion for the Lord our redeemer

We ought to have Sunday’s set apart for Jesus.

The Lord should have your Sunday’s for Church.

The Lord should have a priority in your life. If God isn’t first in your life, church won’t play a major part in your life either. Let us love the Savior and those he saved. Let us labor to win sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jehovah Sabaoth is the Potentate 84:3-7

Psalm 84:3–7 “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; The rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”

Explain:

A Position of Power: My King and My God

The Psalmist appears a little bitter that the birds have found a place of safety for their young in the Lord’s house. How would he love to be a resident at the Lord’s house. He desires a closeness with the Lord of Hosts who has brought him peace by his bare arm. Isaiah 52:10 “The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”

All nations saw his deliverance of the Nation of Israel from bondage in to the superpower of the world at that time, Egypt.

All nations today are to be told of the victory from bondage to Sin and Satan through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:2 “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

All nations will one day confess Jesus as Lord thereby conceding he is the LORD of all and consequently the LORD of hosts. Philippians 2:10 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

A position of praise. Psalm 84:4 “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. Selah.”

With the rank he possesses he is deserving of endless praise.

Those who dwell in his house will still be praising thee. If you know Jesus as your Savior you have these things to look forward to because Jehovah Sabaoth the Lord of Hosts is victorious and faithful that promised.

Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

John 14:1–3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The position of strength for the believer is the one who has made the Lord Sabaoth his King and personally His God. Psalm 84:5 “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them.”

When we depend on the Lord to be our strength we are blessed.

May we recognize as the hymnist wrote, “I need thee every hour most gracious Lord...”

Notice verse 6 notes that even passing through the valley there can be joy even in the valleys of life. Psalm 84:6–7 “Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; The rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”

The Psalmist beautifully pictures the pilgrimage to the feast up through the mountains of Judea to the tabernacle of the Lord. He notes that even in the rainy, dreary valley we can go on in the strength of the Lord.

Argue:

We are guilty many times of depending on our own strengths and abilities to live life. It is when God puts us in a situation where we cannot handle it that we once again realize, Lord, I need you.

As we go through life we are drawing nigh to where we will meet the Savior face to face. We will HAVE VALLIES in our pilgrimage on this earth, but we know we will appear before God accepted upon the merits of Jesus Christ. For that we can praise God through whatever valley we tread, resting in his promise given us in Jesus Christ. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death thou art with me. Maybe it seems more than a valley but like a tumultous storm. Hebrews 6:19 “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”

While we are spiritually before his presence now, what a day that will be when our faith will be sight.

Illustrate:

Sargent York saw most of his division slaughtered by machine gun fire as they went on their mission to reclaim a hill from the enemy. The backing support troops promised never showed up, but God showed up in behalf of his child Soldier, Sargent York. York’s confessed, “There had to be something more than man power in that fight to save me. There can’t no man in teh world make me believe there weren’t. And I’m telling you the hand of God must ahave been in that fight. It surely must have, been divine power that brought me out. No other power under heaven could save a man in a place like that. Men were klled on bhoth side of me and all around me and I was the hbiggest and most exposed of all. Jes think of them thirty machine guns raining fir on me p’int blanck from a range of only 25 yards and of of them there rifes and pistols besides, and those bombs, and then those men t hat charged with fixed bayonedts, and I never receiving a scratch, and bring in one hundred thirty-two prisoners. I have got only one explanation to offer, and only one:without the help of God I jes couldn’t have done it.

My friend you and I are in a spiritual battle, we must come to grips that without the help of God we jes can’t do it either.

Apply:

What must you have before your day goes underway? Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

1 Timothy 6:15 “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;”

Jehovah Sabaoth is the Protector. 84:8-9, 11-12

Psalm 84:8–9 “O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: Give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, And look upon the face of thine anointed.”

Psalm 84:11–12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

Explain:

Answered Prayer: The Psalmist acknoweled the Lord of Hosts was necessary for his protection that is why he prayed to the Lord much like Alvin York asked and trusted God for safety in World War I.

Aid Provided

The Lord shields: As you walk in obedience to the Lord He will shield you from evil. Alvin York acknowledged the Lord’s aid. He also notes he was walking with the Lord before he went to war. If we are going to have success in our battles we must walk with our Lord Jesus. How is that done? Walk in obedience to God’s Word, the Bible. Psalm 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

The Lord is a sun giving us light for the way: We are able to enjoy fellowship through our lives with Jesus Christ because Jesus is our protector. We don’t have to be anxious about tomorrow, but can rest in peace in Him. 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

The Lord gives grace: God gives grace to the humble who recognize they need it versus the self-confident sinner who thinks he is good enough.

The Lord gives glory: Peter the apostle tells us that Christians have been called to glory. That is through Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:2–3 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

The Lord gives every good thing to them that walk uprightly: James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

The Lord blesses those who trust in him. They are happy.

Blessed those that dwell in the Lord’s house. Faithful to church. Psalm 84:4 “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. Selah.”

Blessed those who strength is in the Lord. Psalm 84:5 “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them.”

Blessed those who trust in the Lord Psalm 84:12 “O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

Argue:

Well things are different now adays. Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

Well, I think the Bible is outdated. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Well, you don’t know what I am going through. God does.

Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job 28:23 “God understandeth the way thereof, And he knoweth the place thereof.”

Illustrate:

God is a prayer answering God. We saw God give America a presidential candidate that is more aligned with the Bible’s morals than the current administration. We prayed for a little space and grace and God gave it. May we use it the space of protection God has given to increase our witness for Jesus Christ.

Apply:

Trust Jehovah Sabaoth to be your captain in your battles. Follow his orders and you will be safe from the enemies fiery darts. Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”

Don’t put your hope in political leaders or military strength. Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

If God seems distant and no where, keep trusting Him.

Isaiah 50:10 “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, That obeyeth the voice of his servant, That walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, And stay upon his God.”

Psalm 36:9 “For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.”

CONCLUSION

Like Sargent York who saved life I am remind that Christ gave his life to save mine. I enjoy the amiable tabernacles of the Lord today. I enjoy the power of his life in mine, and His protection of my salvation in His hands.

Have you taken these benefits of Jehovah Sabaoth for granted. Have you been a lazy soldier in his army? Let us praise him for the peace He has brought us and go forth to the battles of life in obedience to our commander knowing he will protect us.