God's Voice In An Alien Land
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Good Morning church family. It’s wonderful seeing you all again. Mid-last year, NASA released some wonderful pictures taken from the Mars surface. Seeing some of the photographs were really interesting. Some photos looked the middle East Area. Others looked like the rocky hills just North of the church building (minus the vegetation). There were some pictures of the alien landscape that were striking with color and texture.
All-in-all, the video commentary, put on display God’s creative work. I remember many years ago traveling to what been called a martian landscape. Some of you might know the Bisti wilderness. Some of the hikes are long to get to some of the interesting sights. When you’re out there, much of the landscape has no plant life. After a while, it’s just strange rock formations. And, after a longer while, it can feel like you’re the only one there.
Sometimes life can feel like that. Sometimes we can feel like — wow I’m really out there. You might even feel like you’re in some alien land. Have you ever felt that way? You might be feeling like that way today — close to home but in an alien land.
When the Israelites traveled out of the land of the Egyptians, perhaps some could have felt like, this kind-of feels like home, but we’re in a whole new different area, a different land that doesn't feel like home in any way.
Although we it could feel like we are away from home base, were never outside the reach of God, that includes if we’re across the street, in the middle of the Bisti Wilderness, or the Martian surface; God can be heard. That brings us to the title of our message this morning, God’s Voice In An Alien Land (packaged with storms). If you have your Bibles with you, please join me in the 29th Psalm.
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Pastoral Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
[Display Verse 1 and 2]
Have you ever been in a storm, where you literally thought something was going to be relocated? I remember once driving through a bad storm sand storm. The winds were high, dirt was blowing, and I can remember seeing the car in front of us disappear. The power of the wind to keep moving many tons of sand was concerning and frightening, with this display of power.
As king David writes, he’s taking about the power of God. And although we might see nature move in might and powerful ways, these acts do not measure or come close the power of God.
Our passage opens this way with the word “ascribe.” If you’re reading from the King James or New King James, you’ll the words “give unto.” Many of the popular translations will use these words or another form. This can bring the question forward — what are we ascribing or giving unto? Before we answer that question.
When you’re studying the Word of God, sometimes it can be easy and other times it can be challenging. Attempting something challenging has its many reward. Often this is where some of our largest strides in growth can happen. At other times, going over Scripture that’s easier to take in is nice. We have that blessing this morning. God’s word spells it out for us. Our answer lies at the end of verse 1 and in the middle of verse 2. We are ascribing or giving unto the Lord — glory, strength and “the glory due his name.” The connection here is thought to express “the glory of God as heard in the pealing thunder.” Think of the last time thunder make you shake in your shoes because the sound was so close, loud and just gave you that frightened feeling because of the massive display of power. The same is similar to God in the sense we give glory to God because of how He has displayed His power and majesty.
The display of God’s power ought not to be thought of as disturbing, violent or destructive. We do not serve a God, we can lead around on a leash, or walk around the block. He’s not a puny God, rather He’s (as verse 3 points out).
[Display Verse 3 and 4]
He’s “the God of glory thunders.” It’s important to recognize God’s mighty power. When we do that, we see Him bigger than anything else. If we look to God as a small god, our faith can be small. When He’s mighty, the door is open for some mighty faith. We allow God to work in some powerful ways. The untamed power of God can be like the tempest (a significant and powerful storm). Seeing this strength and power, this helps us to reflect that He can be our strength, our power.
In the second half of verse 3, the Bible says “the Lord, over many waters.” It’s interesting how this part of verse three, and all the way to verse number 9, shares a parallel with Genesis! We have “the Lord over many waters,” and in Genesis 1:2 we hear about how “the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the water.” This is a showing of God’s sovereignty, not only over creations and the elements of this world, but sovereign over all things.
As we look through verse 9, notice how king David begins to bring to talk about some of the aspects of the power of God’s voice. If you look down the list in your Bible, we can see how the Lord’s voice is powerful, full of majesty, breaks the cedars, flashes forth flames of fire, shakes the wilderness, and makes the deer give birth. These are all examples of how God’s creation responds to His voice. If we travel back the Genesis account we see how creation responded when God said, “let there be light, let there be an expanse in the midst of the water, and let it separate the water from the waters.” The list can go on! This is where we get into some of the characteristics of God’s voice, especially if we feel like we’re in an alien land or dealing with a storm.
One of the fist things God’s voice does for us is, God’s voice assures us that we’re not alone. This is part of God’s passion for you! Being along can be one an unsettling feelings. It’s a tough situation to be, and often one that’s generally not the highlight of a person day. After all, do you ever hear anyone say, I am alone today — it’s going to be a good day. Or, I was alone today — I didn’t see another soul — and that was great. I suppose for some this might not be a bad thing. Eventually, we’re going to want some interaction as some level. A friend told me this past year, it wonderful to see another human being — at least one who’s wearing real skin.
The voice of God is similar in much regard. Can you think of a time when you were immersed in God’s Word, that it was all you could do to stay in it as much as you can. Perhaps you felt like the Word of God was the like the air you breathe. You not only craved it — you needed it! Now think to a time when you heard a particular passage. You could have been sitting herein worship, small group; you could have been driving down the road listening the radio. You hear the Word of God, and either that single verse or passage just spoke volumes to you. Has that ever happened to you? If it has, what was the next thing you did? Was it giving praise to God for those words that spoke to you heart and mind. It could have been a simple prayer of thanksgiving — thank you God, that’s exactly what I needed with what I’m traveling through.
God’s voice tells tells us that we’re pilgrims. From Genesis to the book of Revelation, we can see how people, including the Israelites traveled the road of life. Things could have appeared to be the same, perhaps for a season, then — BOOM, CHANGE HAPPENED! If there’s one thing we can gain from God’s Word, we’re only here for a season.
When Jesus walked the earth in our form, He was here for a season. God’s plan for His physical being (as we call it) was for a season, then He transitioned back to eternity.
Talk like this can begin to get people shifting in their seats. Especially when we start talking about eternity. If I were to ask you this morning where will you spend eternity, after you’re finished with this pilgrimage your currently on, what would your answer be? Would you spend eternity with God, or an eternity away from God? I know some you already have a answer. It could be, I know I’m heaven bound. It could be, I don’t know. Perhaps you could be asking this morning, could I see a menu. There’s no menu today, and we’re all out of cheese. You have two options today, you can either pick number 1 or you pick number 2.
The gospel comes simple. But, I want you to know, it doesn't come with options or add-on’s. The good news of the gospel tells us that Jesus Christ came for the sins of the world. He came to die for our sin. What else does Scripture tell us about the gospel? It tell us that Jesus was buried. It also tells us, on the third-day Jesus rose from the dead. That’s the good news. That’s why believers in Jesus Christ are fill with joy! So, when the question is asked, where will you spend eternity — the believer knows where they will spend eternity. There’s no question, there’s no doubt. That’s because of the gospel.
The gospel truly is the fountain of joy.
Application
Application
Being in an alien land can be tough. We might even look around and think, Lord why and I here, why did you lead me here? Did I take a wrong left turn at Albuquerque?
When you feel like your in an alien land, focus on the voice of God.
The voice of God in an alien land is mighty.
The voice of God in an alien land is powerful.
The voice of God in an alien land is sovereign.
The voice of God in an alien land is encouraging — it’s full of promise.
Over and over God’s word tells us “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Now I don’t know what Solomon could have been going through. In (David gives his son great encouragement):
20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.
If you find yourself in an alien landscape and all you can see is the wind filled with dust and sand, one way back to joy is to reflect on the passion God has for you. That passion pours through His Son Jesus Christ.
In Jesus Christ we can find joy because:
Every sin is forgiven
Mercy flows
Grace flows
Life everlasting is possible
Are you in an alien land today? Perhaps dealing with something new? Perhaps trying to figure something out. Is there something stealing your joy. Let me ask you — why not turn that over to Jesus. Why not come to Jesus?
Perhaps you’ve tried to work it out on your own, tried everything imaginable, and nothing is working.
Is it time to give Jesus a try?
Reflecting on Revelation 19:16, this is your time to come in prayer to the King of kings and Lord of lords in awe-inspiring, humble admiration before the throne of glory. If you need prayer today, how might I pray for you?
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!