This Sunday, May 14 is the Sixth Sunday of Easter
Verse of the Season/Month:
Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
…
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
This week’s sermon is Another Helper
This week’s readings are:
Psalm 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my
enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
In our culture - Enemies? What enemies?
Another
participle - Enemies = “Those who are attacking me.”
This is
changing – mostly just vocal, but it is showing in attitudes.
Biblical
values labeled bigotry.
Friends
and family – especially after conversion.
In other parts of the world Christians know what it is to face opposition to the gospel and animosity toward the faith. Some even face danger.
If we ever find ourselves in a time and place where we are
very aware of living in the presence of our enemies it is good to know that God
is not at all bothered by the aggression of those who would attack is people.
It’s not that he doesn’t care about our suffering. He is secure in His ability
to protect us and defeat our enemies. He is so calm about the matter that He
sets the table and feeds us.
His food is
life giving and faith sustaining.
Lord’s
Supper – This food defeats our enemies and delivers forgiveness, life and
salvation!
That leaves
us in a place where we can feel secure! Fed by a shepherd with a rod and a
staff!
Also, this shepherd raises the dead. (Nik Ripken – The Insanity of God) Even death cannot touch you.
Pivot from protection enemies to some beautiful blessings.
You anoint my head with oil.
A couple
different images here.
One – sign of honor – Samuel anointed
David to be king. Moses anointed Aaron to be the high priest.
Another
– shepherds anointed their flock as part of their care and healing.
Protect
rams butting
Heal
cuts.
Nose
flies – infused oil – like using citronella to keep mosquitos away.
Devil
is called Beelzebub – the lord of the flies.
Protection from temptation
My cup overflows
We are
richly blessed
Attitude of
scarcity or abundance?
Trusting
God’s provision
An
old lie – God is going to hold out on you. You better look out for yourself.
Truth
– The kingdom of God is yours. You are blessed
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