Sermons on Psalm 139:7-10
The various sermons below interpret Psalm 139:7-10 by emphasizing the inescapability of God's presence, a theme that resonates across different contexts and narratives. Each sermon underscores the futility of attempting to flee from God, drawing parallels with Jonah's story to illustrate divine pursuit and repentance. The omnipresence of the Holy Spirit is a recurring theme, with preachers highlighting that there is no place one can go to escape the Spirit's presence. This omnipresence is portrayed as both a comforting and challenging reality, suggesting that God's presence is intimately involved in the lives of believers, regardless of their circumstances. The sermons also explore the complexity of Jonah's character, using his dual name meanings to delve into the intricacies of his mission and the broader theme of divine calling.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct theological nuances. One sermon emphasizes divine persistence and the inevitability of God's call, suggesting that God's pursuit is relentless and unavoidable. Another sermon focuses on the Holy Spirit's omnipresence as a divine attribute, highlighting its role in creation and ongoing presence in the world. A different sermon introduces the theme of God's boundless compassion, emphasizing that His presence is not limited by human actions or prejudices. In contrast, another sermon presents God's nearness as a source of security and comfort, focusing on the relational aspect of God's presence as an active support system.
Psalm 139:7-10 Interpretation:
Embracing Divine Calling: Lessons from Jonah (Kingswood UMC Buffalo Grove, IL) interprets Psalm 139:7-10 by emphasizing the inescapability of God's presence. The sermon highlights the futility of trying to flee from God, as illustrated by Jonah's attempt to escape to Tarshish. The preacher uses the Hebrew word "tshua" (repent) to draw parallels between Jonah's story and the broader theme of repentance and divine pursuit. The sermon also notes the dual meaning of Jonah's name, "dove" or "destroyer," to explore the complexity of his character and mission.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) interprets Psalm 139:7-10 by emphasizing the omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights that the Holy Spirit is present everywhere at all times, which is a difficult concept to grasp. The preacher uses Psalm 139 to illustrate that there is no place one can go to escape the Spirit's presence, reinforcing the idea that the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and intimately involved in the lives of believers.
Jonah: Embracing God's Compassion and Relentless Pursuit (Saint Matthew) interprets Psalm 139:7-10 in the context of Jonah's story. The sermon suggests that Jonah's attempt to flee from God is futile because, as Psalm 139 indicates, God's presence is inescapable. The preacher uses this passage to highlight God's relentless pursuit and presence, even when individuals try to run away from their divine calling.
Experiencing God's Transformative Presence Through Worship (WAM Church) interprets Psalm 139:7-10 by emphasizing God's omnipresence, using the theological term "omnipresent" to describe how God fills all things in the universe. The sermon uses the analogy of making one's bed in hell to illustrate that even in the deepest, darkest places, God is present. This interpretation highlights the inescapability of God's presence, suggesting that no matter where one is, God is there to lead and hold them.
Psalm 139:7-10 Theological Themes:
Embracing Divine Calling: Lessons from Jonah (Kingswood UMC Buffalo Grove, IL) presents the theme of divine persistence and the inevitability of God's call. The sermon suggests that God's pursuit is relentless, and His presence is unavoidable, as reflected in Psalm 139. This theme is expanded by discussing how God's call can be challenging and uncomfortable, yet it is a call that cannot be ignored or escaped.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) presents the theme of the Holy Spirit's omnipresence as a divine attribute, emphasizing that the Spirit is present in the past, present, and future. This theme is distinct in its focus on the Holy Spirit's role in creation and ongoing presence in the world.
Jonah: Embracing God's Compassion and Relentless Pursuit (Saint Matthew) introduces the theme of God's boundless compassion and relentless pursuit of humanity. The sermon highlights that God's presence is not limited by human actions or attempts to flee, and His compassion extends beyond human prejudices and desires for retribution.
Experiencing God's Transformative Presence Through Worship (WAM Church) presents the theme of God's nearness as a source of security and comfort. The sermon emphasizes that God's presence is not just a passive reality but an active support system, ensuring that believers are never alone, even in their darkest moments. This theme is distinct in its focus on the relational aspect of God's presence, encouraging believers to draw near to God to experience His touch and support.
Psalm 139:7-10 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Embracing Divine Calling: Lessons from Jonah (Kingswood UMC Buffalo Grove, IL) provides historical context about the Assyrian Empire and its capital, Nineveh, describing it as a powerful and feared city known for its brutality. This context helps explain Jonah's reluctance to go there and the significance of God's call for repentance in such a hostile environment. The sermon also discusses the political landscape of the time, including the division of the Israelite kingdom and Jonah's role as a prophet in the northern kingdom.
Jonah: Embracing God's Compassion and Relentless Pursuit (Saint Matthew) provides historical context about the Assyrians and Nineveh, explaining why Jonah might have been reluctant to go there. The sermon describes the Assyrians as a violent and feared people, known for their brutal conquests, which adds depth to Jonah's fear and reluctance to follow God's command.
Psalm 139:7-10 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Divine Calling: Lessons from Jonah (Kingswood UMC Buffalo Grove, IL) references Psalm 139 to emphasize God's omnipresence and the futility of trying to escape His presence. The sermon also mentions the story of Jesus in the tomb for three days and three nights, drawing a parallel to Jonah's time in the belly of the fish, highlighting themes of death, resurrection, and divine intervention.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) references several Bible passages to support the understanding of the Holy Spirit's divine attributes. Matthew 28:19 is used to affirm the Trinity, while 1 Corinthians 2:10 and Genesis 1:1-2 are cited to demonstrate the Holy Spirit's omniscience and omnipotence. These references collectively expand on the Holy Spirit's role and presence as described in Psalm 139:7-10.
Jonah: Embracing God's Compassion and Relentless Pursuit (Saint Matthew) references Psalm 139:7-10 directly in the context of Jonah's story, using it to illustrate the futility of trying to escape God's presence. The sermon connects this passage to Jonah's prayer in the belly of the fish, highlighting the theme of God's inescapable presence.
Experiencing God's Transformative Presence Through Worship (WAM Church) references several Bible passages to support the message of God's nearness and love. Hebrews 13:5 is cited to emphasize God's promise never to leave or forsake believers, reinforcing the idea of God's constant presence. Romans 8:38-39 is used to assure believers that nothing can separate them from God's love, further expanding on the theme of security in God's presence. Additionally, Psalm 23:4 and Psalm 34:18 are mentioned to illustrate God's presence in times of fear and brokenness, respectively.
Psalm 139:7-10 Christian References outside the Bible:
Celebration: A Spiritual Discipline of Joy and Love (Living Springs Airdrie) references Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline" to discuss the importance of celebration as a spiritual discipline. The sermon uses Foster's insights to emphasize the need for joy and celebration in the Christian life, drawing a connection to the omnipresence of God as described in Psalm 139.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) references the Nazarene statement on the Holy Spirit, which describes the Spirit as the third person of the triune Godhead, active in the Church, and guiding believers into all truth. This doctrinal reference helps to frame the sermon’s exploration of the Holy Spirit's nature and role.
Experiencing God's Transformative Presence Through Worship (WAM Church) references the poem "Footprints," which is used to illustrate the idea that during difficult times, God carries believers, even when they feel alone. This reference serves to reinforce the message of God's supportive presence and His role in sustaining believers through challenges.
Psalm 139:7-10 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Divine Calling: Lessons from Jonah (Kingswood UMC Buffalo Grove, IL) uses the analogy of procrastination and avoidance in everyday tasks, such as cleaning or attending appointments, to illustrate Jonah's attempt to flee from God's call. The sermon humorously describes the lengths people go to avoid unpleasant tasks, drawing a parallel to Jonah's flight to Tarshish.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life (South Lake Nazarene) uses the analogy of an eagle hovering over its eggs to illustrate the Holy Spirit's presence during creation. This metaphor helps convey the idea of the Spirit's nurturing and life-giving role, akin to an eagle caring for its young.
Experiencing God's Transformative Presence Through Worship (WAM Church) uses the poem "Footprints" as a secular illustration to convey the message of God's presence during difficult times. The poem describes a person walking with Jesus, noticing only one set of footprints during the hardest times, and realizing that it was then that Jesus carried them. This illustration effectively communicates the sermon’s theme of God's unwavering support and presence.