God's Ever-Present Covenant: Embracing His Promise
Summary
The sermon titled "Covenant" from the series "Listening to the Prophets," delivered on December 24, explores the theme of God's presence and promise to humanity, as exemplified in the biblical narrative of King David and the birth of Jesus. The sermon begins with a reflection on a passage from 2 Samuel, where God recounts His support for David, from shepherd to prince, and promises to establish David's house and kingdom forever. This promise is juxtaposed with the current turmoil in the Middle East, which has led to the cancellation of Christmas pilgrimages to Bethlehem. The speaker asserts that Christmas is not confined to a physical location but is a celebration of God's enduring presence.
The sermon continues with the story of David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for God, despite God not requesting it. The speaker reflects on the history of God's dwelling places, from the mountaintop in Egypt to the Ark of the Covenant, and emphasizes that God's plan was to travel with His people rather than reside in a distant location. This theme is further illustrated by the birth of Jesus in a humble manger, emphasizing God's closeness to humanity.
During the offering portion of the service, the congregation is reminded that all they have comes from God, and they are invited to give generously. The reading from 2 Samuel highlights God's preference to move among His people rather than dwell in a house built by them.
The speaker acknowledges the uncertainties of the future, including plagues, economic instability, and potential disasters, but reassures the congregation of God's unwavering presence. The congregation is encouraged to internalize this truth and let it shape their perspective as they anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ.
The sermon emphasizes that God's love draws Him to us, and He is present in our lives, walking with us, comforting, teaching, and celebrating with us. The season of Advent is a time to prepare for God's coming, not through physical structures, but by recognizing His presence with us.
Lastly, the significance of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant is discussed, highlighting the revolutionary concept of God traveling with His people. Despite the eventual construction and destruction of the Temple, God's desire to be with His people remained steadfast. The incarnation of Jesus and His death and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of God's longing to be with humanity.
Key Takeaways:
- God's covenant with David, as described in 2 Samuel, is not just a historical event but a metaphor for God's enduring promise to be with His people, transcending time, space, and even the most challenging circumstances. This promise is a source of hope and assurance for believers facing uncertainty in their own lives. [28:03]
- The desire to build physical structures for God, as seen in David's intention to construct a temple, reflects humanity's inclination to contain the divine. However, God's response to David reveals a profound truth: God does not wish to be confined but to be intimately involved in the daily journey of His people. [32:08]
- The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth serve as a powerful reminder that God's presence is not dependent on grandeur or opulence. The manger symbolizes God's accessibility and His choice to identify with the lowliest, offering a model of humility and simplicity for believers. [25:26]
- In the face of life's unpredictability, the sermon reassures believers that God's presence is a constant. This assurance is meant to shape the way Christians approach their future, fostering a sense of peace and resilience regardless of external circumstances. [41:33]
- The Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were not just religious artifacts but tangible signs of a revolutionary concept: God's desire to be with His people wherever they go. This idea reaches its fulfillment in the incarnation of Jesus, who embodies God's commitment to dwell among humanity. [35:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Covenant"
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
#### Observation Questions
1. What was King David's initial desire regarding God's dwelling place, and how did God respond to this desire? ([32:08])
2. According to the sermon, where did God dwell before the construction of the Temple, and what was the significance of this? ([33:34])
3. How does the sermon describe the birth of Jesus in relation to God's presence with humanity? ([25:26])
4. What are some of the uncertainties mentioned in the sermon that believers might face, and how does the sermon suggest they should respond to these uncertainties? ([41:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God preferred to dwell in a tent among His people rather than in a permanent temple built by David? ([32:08])
2. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Jesus being born in a manger? What does this tell us about God's nature and His relationship with humanity? ([25:26])
3. The sermon mentions that God's presence is a constant despite life's unpredictability. How can this assurance shape a believer's approach to future challenges? ([41:33])
4. Reflecting on the sermon, what does the concept of God traveling with His people through the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant reveal about His character and His desires for His relationship with humanity? ([35:00])
#### Application Questions
1. David wanted to build a grand temple for God, but God preferred to dwell among His people. Are there ways in which you might be trying to "build a temple" for God in your life instead of recognizing His presence in your daily journey? How can you shift your focus to experiencing God in your everyday life? ([32:08])
2. The sermon emphasizes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. How can you embody humility and simplicity in your own life, especially during the Advent season? ([25:26])
3. In the face of uncertainties like economic instability or potential disasters, how can you remind yourself of God's constant presence? What practical steps can you take to foster a sense of peace and resilience? ([41:33])
4. The sermon highlights that God's love draws Him to us, and He desires to be with us in all circumstances. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily activities, and how might this awareness change the way you live? ([37:46])
5. Reflecting on the idea that God traveled with His people through the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, how can you cultivate a sense of God's presence in your home and community? What specific actions can you take to make this a reality? ([35:00])
6. The sermon mentions that the season of Advent is a time to prepare for God's coming. How can you prepare your heart and mind for the coming of Jesus in a way that goes beyond physical preparations and decorations? ([39:16])
7. Considering the sermon’s message that God is with us through thick and thin, how can you support and encourage others in your community who might be struggling to feel God's presence in their lives? ([41:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope in God's Enduring Promise
God's covenant with David is a testament to His eternal presence and faithfulness, offering hope amidst life's uncertainties. The biblical narrative reminds us that God's promises are not bound by time or circumstance, providing a foundation of hope for those who trust in Him. This enduring promise is a beacon of light for anyone facing the unknown, assuring them of God's unwavering commitment to His people. [28:03]
Isaiah 55:3 - "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."
Reflection: How does the concept of God's everlasting covenant influence your trust in Him during uncertain times?
Day 2: God's Intimate Involvement
The divine is not confined to structures made by human hands; God's true desire is to be intimately involved in our daily lives. The story of David's intention to build a temple reveals a profound truth about God's nature: He is not seeking grandeur but rather a close relationship with each of us. This understanding invites us to seek God in the ordinary and the everyday, recognizing His presence in all aspects of our lives. [32:08]
Jeremiah 23:23-24 - "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate an awareness of God's intimate presence in your daily routine?
Day 3: Embracing Humility and Simplicity
The birth of Jesus in a manger is a powerful symbol of God's choice to be accessible and relatable to all, regardless of status. This event challenges believers to embrace humility and simplicity, recognizing that God's presence is not contingent on our surroundings but on His love for us. The manger invites us to find God in the humble and simple moments of life, and to live out our faith with a spirit of humility. [25:26]
Luke 2:7 - "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Reflection: How can the humility of Jesus' birth inspire you to seek and serve God in the simple aspects of your life?
Day 4: Peace Amidst Life's Unpredictability
In a world filled with change and chaos, the constant presence of God provides a foundation of peace and resilience. The assurance of God's presence, despite plagues, economic instability, and potential disasters, shapes a Christian's perspective on the future, fostering a sense of calm and strength that transcends external circumstances. This peace is a gift to be embraced and shared, especially in times of trial. [41:33]
Hebrews 13:5-6 - "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"
Reflection: What current situation in your life requires you to lean into the peace that comes from God's constant presence?
Day 5: The Journeying God
The Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were not mere religious objects but symbols of a revolutionary truth: God is with us on our journey. This concept is fully realized in Jesus' incarnation, demonstrating God's deep desire to dwell among His people. As believers, we are called to recognize and celebrate this profound truth, allowing it to shape our understanding of God's nature and our relationship with Him. [35:00]
Exodus 29:45-46 - "I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God."
Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's desire to journey with you affect your perception of His presence in your life?
Quotes
"I don't know anything about the future except for one thing I know for certain: it's always been true and it always will be true that God is with us." [42:19] (Download)
"Through thick and thin, God is with us; through life and death, God is with us. God Is With Us, my friends, as we prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." [42:19] (Download)
"God wants to be with us more than anything in the world, that love that God has for us pulls God toward us if we won't go to God, God will come to us and make it so that we don't have to seek." [37:46] (Download)
"Throughout the Biblical history we know that the Temple's been destroyed, we know that Jesus died, we knew that Israel was conquered and exiled, but scripture tells us that whatever the turmoil is, God is with us." [40:49] (Download)
"God doesn't care about those things, God simply wants to be with us so much that it's wrapped up in God's name, Emmanuel, God With Us." [40:01] (Download)
"Christmas has not been canceled, amen. Those pilgrimages... understand that... Christmas is more than a place, even the place that is held as holy, the place of the Nativity, that Christmas is more than that." [29:59] (Download)
"God remind us that everything we have comes from you and that what we give is to go towards building the Kingdom so God thank you for that opportunity thank you for the work that you've called us into." [26:03] (Download)
"God recognizes that God is still living in this tent and so David says I need to build something more permanent, a place for God to live. Now God hasn't asked him to do this, but he takes it upon himself to begin the process." [32:08] (Download)
"Before God was distant, God lived somewhere else, people had to travel to be with God, and God is flipping that on its head now and saying I am going to travel with you." [34:14] (Download)
"God was near, God was in the very camp where the people were. God was present with the people." [35:00] (Download)
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