Call to Worship & opening prayer: “¹ I will praise the Lord. Deep down inside me, I will praise him. I will praise him, because his name is holy. ² I will praise the Lord. I won’t forget anything he does for me. ³ He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses. ⁴ He saves my life from going down into the grave. His faithful and tender love makes me feel like a king.” Psalm 103:1–4 (NIrV).

Hymn: #338 “At Calvary”

      We just finished singing “At Calvary.”  I chose this song because of the message, and because it’s a song people can sing as “their song,” in gratitude to the Lord for His mercy and love toward them.

      The ability to identify with the emotions of the psalms is one of the reasons the book of Psalms is so loved.  We are continuing our look at a sub-group of psalms, #113-118, the Egyptian Hallels or the Egyptians Praise Psalms.  These 6 psalms were read during the Passover Festival, at times to the crowds in the courtyard of the Temple.

      Today we are looking at Psalm 116, which is the most personal of the psalms in this collection. Although it was used in public worship, it sounds like a personal testimony.  In the NIV only 3 of the 19 verses do not include either “I, me or my”!  The phrases “I called” or “I will call” are repeated throughout the Psalm, as we learn that God cares for and helps the helpless.  This psalm may come from one person’s experience, yet it is written so we can join with the author in offering our praise to God for His mercy extended towards us.  Let’s take a closer look at Psalm 116.

      This psalm has two parts.  The first 11 verses explain the psalmist opening statement of Why I love the Lord.  In the second half we hear the psalmist’s response to God’s outpouring on love & mercy upon him (vv. 12-19).

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       The Lord responded to my cry for mercy (vv. 1-2)

      The Lord not only heard my cry, He did something, He helped me!  Because of this I will call on Him in prayer as long as I live!  These are the words of someone who was heard and who was helped!  This is in contrast to the idols mentioned in Psalm 115 who have ears but cannot hear!

      The Psalmist celebrates that the Lord heard his call for mercy.  Notice that he didn’t try to make a deal or claim the right to God’s help – “You owe me,” he simply cried for God’s mercy.  The Prophet Daniel approached the Lord with similar humility in Daniel 9:18 when he prayed: “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.” Daniel 9:18 (NLT).

Next, the psalmist explains what the Lord did:

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       His action saved me from certain death (vv. 3-4)

      I felt the hand of death reaching for me and the overwhelming distress which filled my heart.  We can hear echoes of Jonah’s near drowning experience as he was wrapped with seaweed and sinking into the deep.  At that moment the psalmist cried a short but effective prayer, “Lord, save me” and the Lord did.

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       He is true to His name (v. 5).

      In Psalm 113 we were told to praise the name of the Lord, and learned that means, praising the Lord for those things which define His character.  This is what the psalmist does in verse 5 – “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”  This is how the Lord described himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6!

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       He saved me in spite of my foolish choices (v. 6).

      “⁶ The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.” Psalm 116:6 (NIV). The word translated “unwary” in the NIV can have a variety of meanings.  Other Bibles translate it as: “simple hearted” (NIV84), “inexperienced” (CSB), “childlike faith” (NLT), or “the simple” (ESV, NASB95, NRSV).  The New American Commentary says the Hebrew word used here is often used in the book of Proverbs to describe one who lacks prudence and discernment and who is therefore prone to be gullible.[1] The psalmist may be expressing his gratitude to the Lord for His mercy in spite of his foolish choices, which may have resulted in his situation.  A stupid action, a poor choice of friends, and unforeseen consequences – many of us have been humbled by bad decisions, and are grateful that the Lord responded to our cry for help with mercy and assistance anyway!

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       He has brought stability & rest to my soul after all my stumbling so that I may now live for Him (vv. 7-9).

      The only reason I’m still here, and now at peace, is because of the Lord’s goodness. After being saved from certain death, he is determined to honour the Lord through his life’s walk!

I.   I love the Lord Because: (vv. 1-11)

·       He was trustworthy when everyone around me wasn’t (vv. 10-11).

      When all hope was lost, and everyone seemed against me (v. 11), I got honest with the Lord about my situation and put my trust in Him (v. 10). 

      In verse 12 the psalmist asks himself a question we can all ask – “how can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me?” (CSB).  All that we have belongs to the Lord and is from the Lord – what do we have to offer?  Ourselves and our praise – and the psalmist vows to do both publicly.

II.  Because I love the Lord… (vv. 12-19)

·       I will accept His saving grace poured out to me (vv. 12-13).

      Verse 13 can be translated as “I will lift up the cup of salvation” (NIV), which suggests a drink offering given in thanks to the Lord.  Or it can be translated as “I will take up the cup of salvation” (CEV), taking the cup of saving, loving, grace poured out to him by the Lord.  Ps. 23:5 says of the Lord’s blessing, “my cup overflows.”  Are you praising the Lord for saving you?

      An enthusiastic old saint said, “I am so happy he saved me.  When I think of what I was and what He has done for me, He’s never going to hear the end of it!”

II.  Because I love the Lord… (vv. 12-19)

·       I will publicly keep my promises to Him (vv. 14, 18-19).

      Not only is God not going to hear the end of my praises to Him, neither are the Lord’s people.  And they are also going to see that I have kept my vows to Him!  This past week Karin was able to watch the live-streaming of a memorial service for a man whose love for his Lord was clear from his life and his choices.  In the audience Karin saw many friends this man had mentored and encouraged in their Christian life.  He was a behind the scene kind of person; checking on people, getting camp ready, and mentoring the young people – all because he loved the Lord – and people knew it.  I needed to ask myself – what kind of impact am I making?  How about you?

II.  Because I love the Lord… (vv. 12-19)

·       I surrender my life to His service (vv. 15-16).

The NIV translation of verse 15 is sometimes heard at funerals: “¹⁵ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15 (NIV). The word translated “precious” can also mean “costly.” The Word Bible Commentary translates verse 15 as: ¹⁵ Yahweh counts too costly the death of his lieges.[2] (liege – loyal subject). And says:

      V 15 is the opposite of a pagan adage, “Whom the gods love die young.” It has been the psalmist’s good fortune to learn how reluctant Yahweh is to suffer by premature death the loss of human partners in the covenant relationship, and how quickly God rushes to avert such a tragedy (cf. Ps 72:14). God has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek 18:32 nrsv; cf. 2 Pet 3:9), especially a covenant partner.[3]

      As a result of the Lord’s mercy in saving his life, the Psalmist pledges that he is the Lord’s servant (children of slaves became slaves themselves), and he rejoices in being freed from the chains of death.  We have been freed from the chains of sin – rejoice oh Christian, rejoice!

II.  Because I love the Lord… (vv. 12-19)

·       I will praise You among Your people (v. 17).

      The psalmist will sacrifice a thank offering.  Half of the animal sacrifice was offered on the altar to the Lord, and the rest was shared with those present so they could join in the thankful celebration to the Lord.

      Has the Lord’s mercy had an impact on your life?  Have you accepted Jesus as your sin forgiver and life leader?  Are you thankful for your salvation from sin and eternal death?  What is your response to His great mercy?  Has it changed your life?  The Apostle Paul challenges us in Ephesians 4:1: “¹ Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 (NLT).  Live a life worthy of your calling, worthy of Christ’s sacrifice for you!  Today, spend sometime with your Lord completing the phrase, “I love you Lord because…”  And then share your thoughts with others!

Song: “Wonderful, merciful, Savior”

Benediction: ¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and hope, which we don’t deserve, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts with all comfort, and help you in every good thing you say and do. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (The Living Bible)

Call to Worship & opening prayer: “¹ Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! ² Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving; let’s shout triumphantly to him in song. ³ For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:1–3 (CSB).

Hymn: #93 “Praise the name of Jesus” (2x)

Psalm 115 – “¹ Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. ² Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” ³ Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. ⁴ But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. ⁵ They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. ⁶ They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. ⁷ They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. ⁸ Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. ⁹ All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. ¹⁰ House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. ¹¹ You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. ¹² The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, ¹³ he will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike. ¹⁴ May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. ¹⁵ May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ¹⁶ The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. ¹⁷ It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; ¹⁸ it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.” (NIV)

      Today we are looking at Psalm 115, one of the 6 psalms known as the Egyptian Hallels, Psalms 113-118.  Traditionally they were sung during the Passover meal, with Psalm 115 the first psalm sung after the meal was celebrated.  The Passover remembered the people of Israel’s Exodus, their freedom from slavery in Egypt, by remembering that the Lord is greater than the gods of Egypt.  Since Israel, throughout its history was surrounded by nations who worshiped the gods of nature, this was a lesson that bore repeating!  Listen to Exodus 20:1-6, the 1^st & 2^nd commandments: Exodus 20:1–6

“¹ God said to the people of Israel: ² I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt where you were slaves. ³ Do not worship any god except me. ⁴ Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the ocean under the earth. ⁵ Don’t bow down and worship idols. I am the Lord your God, and I demand all your love. If you reject me, I will punish your families for three or four generations. ⁶ But if you love me and obey my laws, I will be kind to your families for thousands of generations.” (CEV)

      James Boice in his commentary on this Psalm says: Worshiping an invisible God was incomprehensible to Israel’s pagan neighbors. Even the great Roman general Pompey was surprised to find nothing in the Most Holy Place of the temple when he looked into it. But there was a profound and important reason for God’s forbidding the use of images in his worship: namely, God cannot be represented by idols without being grossly misrepresented. God is not less real than the material idol but infinitely more real, infinitely greater, infinitely higher. Thus, any representation of God by anything material merely debases God and misleads the worshiper.  This debasement of God by idol worship is why the second commandment is so strong.[1]

      What about today, do we need Psalm 115 today, is idolatry still an issue today?  To answer that question, we need to understand what we are talking about, what is an idol?  Is it just a figurine or is it where we are focusing our attention and priorities?

      Lifeway research did a survey of 1000 U.S. protestant pastors and asked them what modern day idols have significant influence in U.S. churches.  They ranked 8 things, here are the top 5 which received from 49% to 67% of the responses when they were ranked as having significant influence on the people in their congregations.  5^th Success, 4^th approval, 3^rd money, 2^nd control or security, 1^st comfort. 14% of pastors said none of these are idols with influence in their churches.

      What is the problem with this? What is an idol?  An idol is anything that usurps the place that belongs to God in a person’s heart.  To yield the throne of one’s heart to something or someone other than God is to be guilty of breaking both the 1^st and the 2^nd of the commandments given to Moses.  Pastor John Piper defines an idol as: anything that we come to rely on for some blessing, or help, or guidance in the place of a wholehearted reliance on the true and living God.[2]  The problem is to desire for or allow something to take the place of my wholehearted reliance on the Lord God.  Something becomes an idol when I let it take first place in my life (thoughts, desires, time…) rather than God.

      Why do I do this?  Why do I put my trust in an idol rather than God?  Drawing from at the temptation of Adam & Eve in Genesis 3, there is a lack of trust that God has my best interests in mind.  Fundamentally, trusting in something other than God says that I believe that God is as self centred as I am and therefore not trustworthy.  Also, I am showing that I do not appreciate the depth of God’s love for me.

      What is the solution?  What can I do?

1. Realize my idol’s help is only an illusion, and repent, turning back to relying on the Lord! The idols mentioned in Psalm 115 only offered the facade of help and were powerless to change even their own situation, let alone their worshippers! In the list of 5 idols facing today’s church: Success, approval, money, control or security, & comfort – each is so fleeting and give us only the temporary illusion of being in control.  Notice that money is key to all the rest.  While money is necessary, it must remain our servant not our master!  Jesus said we cannot serve two masters: “¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”” Luke 16:13 (NIV).

      This week’s Globe & Mail had some surprising, yet great investment advice: Getting the best return on investment on your dollars doesn’t mean amassing the highest possible balance in your accounts. It means using your money when and where it can have the greatest impact on your life and those of the people you care about. [3] Use your money where it will have the greatest impact, for its true owner, your master, the Lord!

2. Recommit myself to the Lord Jesus.  He is the one who laid down His life for me, for all humanity (John 3:16). “⁶ For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. ⁸ But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6–8 (CSB).

“¹ Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 (NIV). 

3. Rely on Him.

A.      He is in control – v. 3

“³ Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” Psalm 115:3 (NIV).

      Our God is in control, and cannot be limited to an image or even the earth itself, for He is the master of all.

B.  He is worthy of our trust – vv. 9-11

“⁹ All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. ¹⁰ House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. ¹¹ You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.” Psalm 115:9–11 (NIV).

      Some further thoughts from James Boice: I sometimes say that if God tells us something once we should listen very carefully, because he is God. If he says something twice we should pay the most strict attention. How then if he repeats something three times? In that case we should drop everything else we are doing, give our full attention to, study, ponder, memorize, meditate on, and joyfully obey what God has said. In this case, we should “trust in the Lord” and not the other things that so easily take God’s proper place in our lives.

      Do you trust him? We say we do, but do we trust him really? I think of the famous acrobat of the last century, Jean Francois Gravalet, known as Blondin because of his blond hair. His most acclaimed feat was crossing Niagara Falls on a tightrope 160 feet above the water. On one occasion he went halfway across, stopped to cook an omelette, ate it, then went on to the other side. On another occasion he carried his manager across the falls on his back. Afterward he turned to a man in the crowd and asked him, “Do you think I could do that with you?”

“Of course,” the man said. “I just saw you do it.”

“Well, then,” said Blondin, “hop on and I’ll carry you across.”

“Not on your life,” said the bystander.[4]  It is not enough to just say we trust the Lord; we must show it through the life choices we are making!

4. My Response:

      Are there idols in my life, things that have taken God’s place in my life? Look at where you are investing your thoughts, your time and your money and ask if the Lord has priority – if not why not, and what will I do about it?

Two great privileges,

A.  To care for the earth – v. 16

“¹⁶ The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.” Psalm 115:16 (NIV).  The Lord, master of both the heavens and the earth, had given humanity the earth as stewards, to use it to honour the Lord and give Him glory.

B.  To praise the Lord – vv. 17-18

“¹⁷ It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; ¹⁸ it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 115:17–18 (NIV).

      The psalmist observes that no praise is currently given on earth by dead people, that is the privilege and duty of the living.  Do not let yourself forget that He is the source of ALL this – praise Him constantly!  Hallelujah!

Hymn: #45 “Surely goodness and mercy” (vv. 1-3)

Verse 1 – A pilgrim was I and a-wand’ring, In the cold night of sin I did roam, When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me, And now I am on my way home.

Chorus – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, All the days all the days of my life, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, All the days all the days of my life.

Verse 2 – He restoreth my soul when I’m weary, He giveth me strength day by day, He leads me beside the still waters, He guards me each step of the way.

Verse 3 – When I walk thro’ the dark lonesome valley, My Savior will walk with me there, And safely His great hand will lead me, To the mansions He’s gone to prepare.

Bridge – And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever, And I will feast at the table spread for me.

Ending – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, All the days all the days of my life, All the days all the days of my life.

CCLI Song # 15032 Alfred B. Smith | John W. Peterson © 1954 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

Benediction: “³² “And now I commend you to the care of God and to the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people.” Acts 20:32 (GNB).

Call to Worship: “⁸Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. ⁹Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done. ¹⁰Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice! ¹¹Go to the Lord for help, and worship him continually. ¹²You descendants of Jacob, God’s servant, descendants of Israel, whom God chose, remember the miracles that God performed and the judgements that he gave.” 1 Chronicles 16:8–12 (GNB).

Hymn: #51 “Guide me O Thou great Jehovah”

Verse 1 – Guide me O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, feed me now and ever more, Feed me now and ever more.

Verse 2 – Open Thou the crystal fountain Whence the healing stream doth flow, Let the fiery cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, Be Thou still my strength and shield, Be Thou still my strength and shield.

Verse 3 – When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death and hell’s destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side, Songs and praises, songs and praises I will ever give to Thee, I will ever give to Thee.

CCLI Song # 2429409 Peter Williams | William Williams Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

      How many of you like stories?  Most of us do.  Perhaps you had a story that you wanted to hear often, or read to a little one again and again!  Did you ever try changing things, perhaps a different ending, how did that go over?  Usually not well.  How about telling the same story but from a different perspective?  For example, Cinderella told by the animals that become her footmen.  It doesn’t change the outcome, but it may help us to see things we didn’t notice in our original telling of events.

      This is sort of what we have happening in today’s Psalm, Psalm 114.  This psalm tells the story of the Exodus, when the Lord freed Jacob’s (Israel’s) descendants from 400 years of slavery in Egypt.  The poem feels like the narrator is interviewing the earth about its reaction to the amazing events of the Exodus.  Let’s take a look.

      Psalm 114 is one of 6 praise Psalms (113-118) known as the Egyptian Hallels (Hallel means praise in Hebrew).  Traditionally these psalms were sung during the festival of the Passover.  The Lord commanded that yearly the Israelites were to re-enact the first Passover, remembering how the Lord freed them from slavery in Egypt.  Psalms 113 & 114 were sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115-118 after the meal.

      One can easily see why Psalm 114 would be appropriate to sing during the Passover.  It is a spirited, joyful retelling of the Exodus from the perspective of the earth’s response to God’s actions.  It not only draws us back to that time; it also makes the events of the Exodus relevant to the reader now!

      This poem is a hymn of descriptive praise, and is also a historical hymn, recounting the Hebrew’s exodus from slavery in Egypt, but using a dramatic style.  This 16-line poem has 8 verses, with two lines per verse, each forming a couplet with parallel meanings.  The Psalm has four stanzas with 4 lines each: vv. 1-2, vv. 3-4, vv. 5-6, vv. 7-8.  Let’s begin with the first two verses of Psalm 114

vv. 1-2: The Exodus from Egypt:

¹ When Israel came out of Egypt—

the house of Jacob from a people who spoke a foreign language—

² Judah became his sanctuary,

Israel, his dominion. (CSB).

      Verse 1 speaks of Israel and the house of Jacob coming out of Egypt, what is known as the Exodus.  The statement in verse 1 reminds us that Egypt was not their home, they lived among people who spoke a foreign language, this was not where they belonged.

      Verse 2 tells of the results of the Exodus from a spiritual perspective.  Israel became God’s sanctuary and His dominion.  The Israelites were freed by God and entered into a covenant with Him, becoming His people. This is what the Lord told Moses to tell the people in Exodus 19:5–6a. “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (NIV)

      With the Lord’s Holy Presence among them, they are set apart as His people, a Holy People. The Lord has dominion, He rules over His people; this was a unique and special privilege.  The Apostle Peter likely had Exodus 19:5-6 in mind when he wrote to persecuted Christians, assuring them that they are special to God and in His care: 1 Peter 2:9. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV)

vv. 3-4: The Earth’s Response:

³ The sea looked and fled;

the Jordan turned back.

⁴ The mountains skipped like rams,

the hills, like lambs. (CSB)

      James Boice in his expositional commentary on the Psalms says: If it is the essence of poetry to capture a great deal of substance in a small space and in memorable language, then the second stanza of Psalm 114 (like the other stanzas) is wonderfully poetic. In four lines it captures the whole of the desert experience after the people had been called out of Egypt by God.[1]  Verses 3-4 deal with both the parting of the Red Sea which freed Israel from Egypt’s grip and forty years later, the stopping of the Jordan River so the people could enter the land God had promised them.  Psalm 114 does not take a strictly historical look at the Exodus, nor does it need to, the events were well known.  Instead, it is looking at the Exodus from a theological perspective, what we can learn about our God as we observe how creation responded to His arrival.

vv. 5-6: Questions About the Earth’s Response:

⁵ Why was it, sea, that you fled?

Jordan, that you turned back?

⁶ Mountains, that you skipped like rams?

Hills, like lambs? (CSB)

      Verses 5-6 cause us to slow down and take a second look at what we just read, marveling at what happened, even if we know the story well.  It is as if psalmist brings us into the story and we are interviewing the earth – “tell me earth, what was it like?  The question on everyone’s mind is why did you do what you did?”  We begin to wonder anew: What could have caused the sea to part, the river to turn back and the mountains and hills to tremble like spooked animals?  Remember, each one of these elements of nature is responding in a way opposite to what is normal for it, and the psalmist wants us to marvel and ask “Why did this happen?”

vv. 7-8: The Transforming Presence of the Lord:

⁷ Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,

at the presence of the God of Jacob,

⁸ who turned the rock into a pool,

the flint into a spring. (CSB)

      Verses 7 & 8 end this Passover Psalm by reminding us that it was the Lord’s presence among His people that brought them out of Egypt and into the land He promised them, while providing them water in the harsh desert lands.

      Imagine Jesus and His disciples singing this psalm together as they prepared to celebrate the Passover meal together.  It was the power of the Lord Almighty among them that enabled the Israelites to walk out of Egypt and into the land God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the land they were living in now!  Last week as we looked at Psalm 113, which highlights how our mighty God stooped down to help us.  Jesus becoming one of us, and dying for our sins is the greatest act of love and compassion, of stooping down to help those who could not help themselves! 

      With the help of Psalm 114 we are called once again marvel at God’s plan to free us and make us His own.  Jesus’ death and resurrection has freed us from enslavement to sin.  We are now God’s people, a holy priesthood, a people who serve Him.  Now with verses 7 & 8 we are reminded that we are secure in the presence of our Lord who is greater than all He has created.  Romans 8:35, 37-39, like Psalm 114 is a song which celebrates that we are secure in God’s loving care: “³⁵Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?  …³⁷In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. ³⁸I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, ³⁹and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:31–39 (CEV).

Hymn: #106 “Praise Him!  Praise Him!”

Verse 1 – Praise Him, praise Him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer, Sing O earth His wonderful love proclaim, Hail Him, hail Him, highest archangels in glory, Strength and honor give to His holy name.  Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long.

Chorus – Praise Him, praise Him, Tell of His excellent greatness, Praise Him, praise Him, ever in joyful song.

Verse 2 – Praise Him, praise Him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer, for our sins He suffered and bled and died, He our Rock our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him, hail Him, Jesus the Crucified.  Sound His praises, Jesus who bore our sorrows, Love unbounded wonderful deep and strong.

Verse 3 – Praise Him, praise Him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer, Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring.  Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever, Crown Him, crown Him, Prophet, and Priest and King.  Christ is coming over the world victorious, Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

CCLI Song # 40409 Chester G. Allen | Fanny Jane Crosby © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

Benediction:“¹⁸Lord God of Israel, we praise you. Only you can work miracles. ¹⁹We will always praise your glorious name. Let your glory be seen everywhere on earth. Amen and amen.” Psalm 72:18–19 (CEV).

Call to Worship: “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:2–4 NIV)

Hymn:  #106 “Praise Him, praise Him”

Verse 1 – Praise Him praise Him Jesus our blessed Redeemer, Sing O earth His wonderful love proclaim!  Hail Him hail Him highest archangels in glory, Strength and honor give to His holy name.  Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long.

Chorus: Praise Him, praise Him, tell of His excellent greatness; praise Him, praise Him, ever in joyful song.

Verse 2 – Praise Him praise Him Jesus our blessed Redeemer, for our sins He suffered and bled and died.  He our Rock our hope of eternal salvation, Hail Him hail Him Jesus the Crucified.  Sound His praises Jesus who bore our sorrows, Love unbounded wonderful deep and strong.

Verse 3 – Praise Him praise Him Jesus our blessed Redeemer, Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring.  Jesus Savior reigneth forever and ever, Crown Him crown Him Prophet and Priest and King.  Christ is coming over the world victorious, Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

CCLI Song # 40409 Chester G. Allen | Fanny Jane Crosby © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain. For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

      We are in the book of Psalms, the Hebrew song book, starting a series of messages based on the five-psalm collection Psalm 113-118 which is known as the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means praise and is the theme of these psalms. Psalm 114 is the only psalm which refers directly to the Exodus event, yet all five of these psalms offer praise to God for intervening in the world to bring salvation.

      Traditionally this group of psalms was sung during the Passover Celebration, Psalms 113 & 114 before the meal and Psalms 115-118 after the meal.  As you read these psalms consider that they may have been the last songs Jesus sang before his arrest following the celebration of the Passover with his disciples.  Let’s take a closer look at Psalm 113.

      Clearly the focus of this psalm is to praise the Lord.  We are called to offer praise to the Lord three times in just the first verse and five times by verse 3.  Does anyone here know some Hebrew?  How do you say “praise the Lord” in Hebrew?  I think you know it – it is “Hallelu Yah.”

      Who is called to praise the Lord? The Lord’s servants (v. 1), us, those who have committed themselves to serve the Lord are the ones who are to offer Him praise.  This means the Lord Himself, not just what we do for Him is to be our focus! Praise is another way to say we are to worship Him.  Notice this passage tells us that worship of God involves more than singing to Him, it means He is the focus of all we say and do!  Why do I say that?  The Lord’s servants are to praise Him continually, including into eternity (2b) and in all locations (3a).

      What are we to praise the Lord for?  Typically, we humans praise people for what they do, and especially when their actions benefit us. We may praise an athlete for their skill, but mostly if they are on ‘our’ team! When we praise God, we often focus on his actions which benefit my health and happiness. There is a song which includes the words: “Lord you are good, Lord you are good, Lord you are good to me…”.  It is true that the Lord is good and that he is good to me, however, do not make the Lord’s goodness conditional on whether he meets your definition of being good to you!  What humanity needs is healing from the sickness of sin and a renewed eternal relationship with God.  Your service to God to make His salvation known will not be easy or trouble free but acting in obedience to the Lord’s will is always good!

      Verses 1 & 2 call us to praise the name of the Lord.  What does that mean?  What does it mean to praise the name of the Lord?  Hey Lord, love your name…?  No, that’s not what this means.  We’ve gotten away from it, but for the Hebrews, a person’s name carried meaning and described them.  The Lord’s name describes His character to us.  To praise the name of the Lord means we are to praise the Lord for His character, who the Lord is. 

      We see this in Exodus 34:5–6 which describes a moment between the Lord and Moses: “⁵ Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. ⁶ And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,” (NIV).  So, to praise the name of the Lord, is to praise the Lord for his compassion and grace, his patience, overflowing love and faithfulness to us, as well as other aspects of His character.  Verses 4-9 highlight some of those.

      Beginning with verse 4 we see why the Lord is to be praised – He is beyond comparison with anyone or thing else! He is far greater than all nations of the earth.  The Lord’s glory is far, far above the heavens that humble us with their dimensions and number! “How great is our God!”

      It is no wonder the psalmist cries out in verse 5: “⁵ Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high.” The answer is there is, there is no one who can compare with Him!  This is a theme found throughout the Bible and addressed at length in Isaiah 40:10 – 41:4. Listen to how the Lord is described in Isaiah 40:12-15: “¹² Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? ¹³ Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? ¹⁴ Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? ¹⁵ No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” (NLT). 

      These verses, like Psalm 113:4 highlight how much greater the Lord is than any of His creation.  If you were to stop here, you might feel the Lord is so beyond you that He is unapproachable, so let’s continue listening to the psalmist.

II.   113:5-9. Praise the Lord who stoops down.

“⁵ Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, ⁶ who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? ⁷ He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; ⁸ he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. ⁹ He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 113:5–9 (NIV).

      Psalm 113:5-9 adds to our reasons to praise the Lord by moving from His grandeur to include His incredible compassion and grace to the ‘no bodies’ of this world.  Although the Lord is far above us, far above the nations, even so far beyond the heavens He created that He must “stoop down” to look on it, He is still cares for those the world ignores.  The Lord does not overlook the poor and needy.  The psalmist tells us that the Lord who stoops down plans, in His time, to raise them up to sit on thrones along side princes.

      This psalm reminds us that it is important that we maintain a Biblical balance as we worship our God.  He is not just a ‘buddy’ nor is He so far removed from us that we need ask angels or other intermediators to get His attention.  We serve a God great in power, mercy, and compassion who Himself stoops down to save us!

      Remember that Jesus likely sang this psalm, just prior to celebrating the Passover meal and the new covenant he is about to make in his body and his blood for all of humanity.  This is the ultimate act of God, stooping down, to lift us up, by become human (Phil. 2:5-11). In dying for our sin Jesus bridges the gap of sin, so that we may join him in heaven if we accept His gift of grace!  Paul describes this incredible act of compassion in Ephesians 2:4–7: “⁴ But God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, ⁵ that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved. ⁶ In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. ⁷ He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus.” (GNB). The God who in humility and sacrifice stoops down to raise us up to the heavenlies described in this passage is foreshadowed in Psalm 113!

      Looking again at Psalm 113, the references in verse 9 to the barren woman becoming a happy mother may seem out of place until one realizes that the preceding verses, Psalm 113:7-8 is virtually a direct quote from 1 Samuel 2:8. Verses 7 & 8 are part of Hannah’s song of praise to the Lord in response to the miraculous birth of her son Samuel – ⁷ He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; ⁸ he seats them with princes. Hannah’s son not only brought her joy, but Samuel’s leadership brought joy to the whole nation.  Another barren woman, Sarah, her son, Isaac, miraculously born to her in old age, began a nation, along with God’s promise of a future son who would bless the entire world.  Mary’s Son, Jesus another miracle child, is that blessing!

      Who is like the Lord our God?  No one!  He alone is worthy of our worship and praise!  He who is far greater than all He created, is also the one who reaches out in love to even the downcast.  Have you responded to the Lord’s mercy and compassion? 

      Christian, is your life praising the Lord as one of His servants?  Are you praising Him for who He is – His character?  Psalm 113:1–3 “Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever. Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the Lord.” (NLT)

Hymn: #43 “Great is Thy faithfulness” (vv. 1, 3)

Verse 1 – Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee, Thou changest not Thy compassions they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Chorus – Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see.  All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Verse 2 – Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness, To Thy great faithfulness, Mercy and love.

Verse 3 – Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence To cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

CCLI Song # 18723 Thomas Obediah Chisholm | William Marion Runyan © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

Benediction: “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 72:18–19 (NIV).

Call to Worship: “God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit.” Titus 3:4–6 (CEV).

Hymn: #108 “Come Christians join to sing” (vv. 1-3).

Verse 1 – Come Christians join to sing Alleluia! Amen! Loud praise to Christ our King; Alleluia! Amen!  Let all with heart and voice, before His throne rejoice; Praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!

Verse 2 – Come lift your hearts on high, Alleluia! Amen!  Let praises fill the sky; Alleluia! Amen!  He is our Guide and Friend; To us He’ll condescend; His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!

Verse 3 – Praise yet our Christ again, Alleluia! Amen!  Life shall not end the strain; Alleluia! Amen!  On heaven’s blissful shore His goodness we’ll adore, Singing forevermore, Alleluia! Amen!

CCLI Song # 3163269 Christian Henry Bateman.  Public Domain. For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394

      During the weeks around Pentecost, we have been looking at the person of the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  We have seen that the Holy Spirit is instrumental in our salvation and our sanctification process (becoming like Jesus in our character).  The Holy Spirit works in you as you respond in repentance and acceptance of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ to save you from your sins.

      We have said that the Holy Spirit is given to each Christian as a confirmation that we belong to God (Eph. 1:13-14).  As the scriptures says, the Church of Christ is “being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22 NIV).  This incredible truth that the Holy Spirit of God dwells within believers upon their salvation is referred to in scripture as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

      Of the 11 verses which refer to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, 5 of them speak of it as being something which is to come.  These verses are in the Gospels (Mt. 3.11; Mk. 1.8; Lk. 3.16; Jn. 1.33) where John the Baptist says the Messiah will baptize them with the Holy Spirit, and also in Acts 1:4-5 where Jesus says: “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 1:4–5 (NLT).

      Acts chapter 2 is a record of Jesus’ promise being fulfilled with the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the beginning of the Church.  Acts 2 does not use the term “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” yet in Acts 11:15-16, the Apostle Peter looking back, refers to the event in Acts 2 as the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  ““As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 11:15–16 (NIV).In Acts 11, Peter is explaining how the Spirit of God had led him to speak at the home of the Gentile Cornelius, and how God had confirmed His acceptance of Gentiles into His Church by baptizing them with the Holy Spirit just as the disciples had been on Pentecost.  Peter had witnessed a similar event when he was sent to investigate the news that Samaritans were accepting Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 8:17).  In these three cases the baptism of the Holy Spirit was visible and dramatic events intended to assure the Apostles and all present that this new step was indeed a work of God. 

      The remaining 5 passages referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 6.3-4; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 4.5; 1 Cor. 12.13) tells us what it means to be baptized by the Holy Spirit.  We are baptized into Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit at the moment of our conversion. When you are saved you receive God’s Holy Spirit as a seal, a confirmation He is with you, and you are His: male/female, Jew/Gentile, Freed/Slave – God makes no distinction, you are His!  The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer brings the presence of the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, given in variety, to glorify God and strengthen the Church of Christ.  And yet not all Christians seem to be guided by the Holy Spirit, what is going on?

      The Holy Spirit dwells within us as Christians, but we each must be open to His leading and allow Him to fill us so that Christ will reign in our life. Now, some of us may be wondering, do I really need to do that?  It is if you want to do what God asks of us!  Here’s just a sample of three verses:

Ephesians 4:2 “Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.” (CEV)

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” (CEV)

Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.” (CEV)

      How are you doing?  Always be humble, gentle, joyful prayerful, thankful; love your enemies & pray for anyone who mistreats you!  We cannot do this ourselves! Remember what Jesus says in John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (NIV)

      The call to be filled with the Holy Spirit is a call to let the Holy Spirit control your life as you respond to his leading and prompting in obedience to God’s Word.  Ephesians 5:18 says “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,” (NLT).  There are four things to notice from phrase “be filled with the Holy Spirit” that is learned from the Greek text.  1- Be filled is a command, something we are to do.  2- Be filled is in the plural, so it is not limited to a few special people, but commanded of all of us.  3- Be filled in the Greek is in a passive voice, which means we do not fill ourselves, but we must put ourselves in a position where the Spirit of God can control us and therefore fill us.  4- Be filled is in the present tense, it is to be an on-going continuous event.  The text could be translated “Be being filled with the Holy Spirit” or continually give over control of your life to Him.[3]  This can happen as you are reading the Bible and the Holy Spirit shows you something in your life that you need to change.  As you respond and trust Him to continue to teach and help you, you are experiencing the Spirit’s leading and filling.

2.We grieve the Holy Spirit.Ephesians 4:30 says – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (NIV).  We grieve the Holy Spirit when we do what He tells us not to do, then we don’t live as Children of God.  When we ignore sin in our life and refuse to deal with it, we grieve the Holy Spirit and reject Jesus’ Lordship over my life.

          I don’t want to quench the Spirit and I don’t want to grieve the Holy Spirit.  So, what can I do?  Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an on-going process.  You are in a relationship, daily spend time in prayer and meditation on God’s Word and listen. If the Holy Spirit brings to mind any area of your life which is not submitted to Him, deal with it.  Confess any sins which come to mind and ask for the Lord’s help to live in ways which honour Him.  Galatians 5:16 says – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (NIV).  We walk by the Spirit, as we let the Holy Spirit guide us, and respond in obedience to God’s Word in our life.  The results of walking by the Spirit are noticeable and are described a few verses later in Galatians 5:22–25 – “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (NIV)

Hymn: #259 “Breathe on me breath of God” (vv. 1-3)

Verse 1 – Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.

Verse 2 – Breathe on me breath of God, until my heart is pure. Until with Thee I will one will, to do and to endure.

Verse 3 – Breathe on me breath of God, till I am wholly Thine, till all this earthly part of me, Glows with Thy fire divine.

Verse 4 – Breathe on me breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with Thee the perfect life of Thine eternity.

CCLI Song # 2647449 Edwin Hatch Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use.  All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Licence No. 1348394