God as Host: Abundance Amidst Adversity

 

Summary

The exploration of Psalm 23 continues with a focus on the latter verses, where the imagery shifts from God as a shepherd to God as a host. This transition offers a deeper understanding of the relationship between the divine and humanity, as well as the nature of God's provision and protection.

The backdrop of Psalm 23 is King David's flight from Jerusalem during the rebellion led by his son Absalom, as detailed in 2 Samuel 15. During this tumultuous time, David is forced to flee for his life, uncertain if he will ever return to worship in the Tabernacle again. Despite this, David expresses a profound faith in God's faithfulness, even in the presence of his enemies. He proclaims that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, a statement that is both forward-thinking and prophetic.

The sermon draws parallels between David's situation and the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6, where Elisha prepares a feast for his enemies, leading to peace between kingdoms. This act of hospitality and generosity reflects the heart of God as described in Psalm 23. The message emphasizes that God is a provider who prepares a table before us, even in the midst of our enemies. This table is a symbol of God's abundance and bounty, which is available to us regardless of our circumstances.

The concept of God as a host is further explored through the actions of anointing with oil and the overflowing cup. In ancient times, anointing with oil was a sign of being chosen by God, and later it became an act of hospitality. When Jesus was not anointed with oil by Simon the Pharisee, it indicated a lack of honor and welcome. In contrast, God anoints us with oil, signifying that we are honored guests and part of His family. The overflowing cup represents God's generosity, as He blesses us beyond what we can contain.

The sermon also touches on the idea that God's goodness and love follow us all the days of our life. The word "surely" introduces this concept with certainty, emphasizing the steadfast nature of God's love. This love is not merely following us but is in step with us, accompanying us throughout our lives.

The final portion of Psalm 23 raises questions about whether David is referring to a physical dwelling in the Tabernacle or an eternal dwelling with God. The message suggests that both interpretations are valid, as David may have longed for the Tabernacle, his place of worship, while also looking forward to an eternal presence with God. With the New Testament perspective, believers understand that through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, they have the promise of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of eternal life with God.

The sermon concludes with an invitation to declare the goodness of God with confidence, as David did. It encourages giving thanks to the Lord and trusting in His plans, which are always for our good, whether in times of peace or adversity. The message ends with a prayer of gratitude for the promises and characteristics of God's heart, and a call to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus, living life to the full now and looking forward to eternity with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The shift from shepherd to host in Psalm 23 reveals a multifaceted relationship with God, highlighting His role as a provider who prepares a table of abundance even in the presence of adversity. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to see themselves as honored guests at His table, reflecting on the personal nature of God's blessings. [13:02]

- Anointing with oil and the overflowing cup are powerful symbols of God's hospitality and generosity. These acts are not just cultural customs but represent a deeper spiritual truth about being welcomed into God's family and experiencing His abundant blessings, which surpass our ability to contain them. [16:32]

- The certainty of God's goodness and love following us is a profound truth that offers comfort and assurance. The language used in the Psalm emphasizes that God's love is not passive but actively in step with us, accompanying us through every season of life. [18:01]

- The discussion on dwelling in the house of the Lord forever opens up a dual interpretation, both in the physical sense of longing for the Tabernacle and in the eternal sense of being with God. This duality enriches the understanding of God's presence in our lives, both now and in the future. [20:14]

- The sermon culminates with a call to action to declare God's goodness with confidence, just as David did. This declaration is not just a statement of faith but a transformative practice that shapes our perspective on life's challenges and God's unwavering faithfulness. [23:00]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23:1-6
2. 2 Samuel 15:13-26
3. 2 Kings 6:13-23

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant shift in imagery occurs in the latter verses of Psalm 23, and what does this shift signify about God's relationship with us? [02:58]
2. How does David's situation in 2 Samuel 15 provide context for his declarations in Psalm 23? [03:42]
3. What actions did Elisha take in 2 Kings 6 that reflect the heart of God as described in Psalm 23? [05:52]
4. What are the symbolic meanings of anointing with oil and the overflowing cup in Psalm 23? [14:31]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a host in Psalm 23 deepen our understanding of His provision and protection? [02:58]
2. In what ways does David's faith in God's faithfulness, even in the presence of his enemies, challenge our own faith during difficult times? [05:06]
3. How does the story of Elisha preparing a feast for his enemies in 2 Kings 6 illustrate the concept of God's abundance and hospitality? [09:23]
4. What does the certainty of God's goodness and love following us all the days of our life imply about our daily walk with Him? [18:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "dark valley." How did you experience God's presence and comfort during that time? [02:17]
2. How can you actively trust in God's provision and see yourself as an honored guest at His table, especially during challenging circumstances? [13:02]
3. In what ways can you practice hospitality and generosity in your own life, mirroring the actions of Elisha and the heart of God? [09:23]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the certainty of God's goodness and love following you? What practical steps can you take to stay aware of His presence? [18:01]
5. David expressed a longing to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your daily life? [20:14]
6. How can you declare God's goodness with confidence in your current season of life, whether it is peaceful or challenging? [23:00]
7. Identify one specific way you can grow in your personal relationship with Jesus this week. How can you make this a daily practice? [24:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Hospitality in Adversity
God's provision transcends our circumstances, inviting us into His abundance even amidst trials. As honored guests at His table, we are reminded that our worth and sustenance come from Him, not our surroundings. This divine hospitality assures us of God's constant care and the personal nature of His blessings. [13:02]

Psalm 36:8 - "They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights."
Reflection: How can you practice seeing yourself as an honored guest at God's table, especially when facing personal challenges or adversities?

Day 2: Anointed and Overflowing
We are chosen and cherished by God, anointed with His grace, and blessed beyond measure. The overflowing cup is a testament to His inexhaustible generosity, inviting us to experience His provision that surpasses all understanding. [16:32]

1 Samuel 16:13 - "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's anointing and overflowing blessings in your life, and how can you share this testimony with others?

Day 3: Steadfast Love in Every Step
God's goodness and love are not distant; they are active and present companions in our life's journey. This steadfast love offers comfort and assurance, guiding and upholding us through every season. [18:01]

Ruth 2:12 - "May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
Reflection: Can you identify moments in your life where you have felt God's love and goodness actively guiding you, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence daily?

Day 4: Eternal and Present Dwelling
The dual longing for God's presence reflects our desire for both a physical place of worship and an eternal communion with Him. This understanding deepens our appreciation for God's nearness now and the hope of everlasting life. [20:14]

Hebrews 13:14 - "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."
Reflection: How does the hope of eternal dwelling with God shape your perspective on your current physical places of worship and community?

Day 5: Confident Declaration of Goodness
Declaring God's goodness transforms our outlook, empowering us to face life's challenges with faith and courage. This practice of proclamation shapes our experiences and reinforces our trust in His faithfulness. [23:00]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: What are some ways you can actively declare God's goodness in your life, even when circumstances are not as you hoped or expected?

Quotes

1) "The table is an image of the Lord's abundance and Bounty and that we have access to that even when we're in the midst of our enemies or in the midst of the Wilderness." [12:17] (Download)

2) "The host care and concern doesn't eliminate the presence of my enemy but enables the experience of God's goodness and Bounty even in their midst." [12:17] (Download)

3) "The overflowing cup or the cup to the rim... speaks to God's generosity in our lives... we're blessed and David here is saying even in the midst of the Wilderness he's provided for beyond what he can contain." [17:15] (Download)

4) "Surely your goodness and mercy... the word mercy meaning in this context steadfast love... surely you're goodness and steadfast love follow me all the days of my life." [18:01] (Download)

5) "This follow means go with or to accompany... we're in Step the God's goodness and his Mercy his goodness and his love follow us is in step with us goes with us." [18:49] (Download)

6) "The Lord is our provider... God prepares a table and the... host has foresight to the reality of this season of Darkness... and knows right where to bring the table." [10:47] (Download)

7) "David's not convinced that he will ever return and be able to Worship in the Tabernacle again even so David pens verse 5 and six with this confession by faith that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." [05:06] (Download)

8) "We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and we know as well through jesus' Resurrection death is but a shadow and we have an eternal promise that if we put our faith in Jesus and Jesus alone we'll have the Eternal promise of spending eternity with God." [21:35] (Download)

9) "Declare with confidence the goodness of God that's what David does throughout Psalm 23 he's confessing he's surely your goodness and your love surely your goodness and mercy are with me and they'll follow me all the days of my life." [23:41] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?