OLD TESTAMENT

THE SHEKINAH OR GLORY OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT–Psalm 29:1-4

Art Davison OLD TESTAMENT 0 Comment
THE SHEKINAH OR GLORY OF GOD
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Psalm 29:1-4
Introduction:
The word “Shekinah” does not appear in the Scriptures, but is a Hebrew word that is the nearest Jewish equivalent to the Holy Spirit. It became with other OT derivatives such as Word, Wisdom, Spirit, etc., a bridge between man’s bodily substance and God’s excellence.

All in all it refers to God’s glory.

I. GOD MANIFESTED HIS PRESENCE, vs. 3-4

A. Upon Mount Sinai to Moses and the people of Israel, Exodus 19:16, “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.”

1. There were “thunders and lightnings, Exodus 20:18, “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”
2. Even in Heaven God’s glory is manifested in the same way, Revelation 4:5, “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

B. At times God’s glory was not so dramatic as in the case of Elijah, 1 Kings 19:12-13,“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13- And it was so , when Elijah heard it , that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?”

II. GOD DWELLS AMONG HIS PEOPLE

A. God manifested His presence to guide His people in the wilderness, Exodus 13:21, “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.”

B. He manifested His presence in the Tabernacle and the Temple, Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

1. It was a visible manifestation, Exodus 40:34-35, “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”
2. When God was not pleased with His people the cloud was taken away, Numbers 12:10, “And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.”

C. God manifested His glory in the visions of the prophets, Ezekiel 43:1-3, Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: 2- And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. 3- And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.”

III. THE SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD MANIFESTED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

A. At the Birth of Christ, Luke 2:8-9, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
1. The Angels of God declared His glory, Luke 2:13-14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
2. Steven saw the glory of God, Acts 7:55, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”

B. At the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus, Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

1. Peter, James and John were witnesses of His majesty, 2 Peter 1:16-18, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17- For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18- And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
2. Jesus, equal with God, but took on the form of a servant, Philippians 2:6-7, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7- But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

THE TRUMPET HAS SOUNDED–EZEKIEL 33:1-5

Art Davison OLD TESTAMENT 0 Comment
THE TRUMPET HAS SOUNDED
EZEKIEL 33:1-5

Introduction:

Did you hear it? The trumpet has sounded and continues to be heard throughout America today. God has sent His Prophet, Preachers and Pastors to sound the warning that JUDGMENT is immanent.

For more than 400 years the Gospel of Christ has been preached on this continent and it still goes unheeded. Consider what Ezekiel was told to say to Israel under similar circumstances:

I. THE WATCHMAN HAS SOUNDED THE WARNING

A. When God brings the sword [JUDGMENT] upon a land, v. 2; Psalm 1:5-6, “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

1. God’s judgment falls on the disobedient, Romans 10:21, “But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”

2. God’s judgment falls on those who profess to know Him, but their works deny Him, Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

a. They have removed their heart far from me, Isaiah 29:13, “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”

b. Don’t be deceived, Ephesians 5:6-7, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”

c. They will reap what they sow, Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

B. The office of a watchman established, Ezekiel 3:11, “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.”

1. They shall know that there hath been a prophet among them, Ezekiel 2:5, “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.”

2. If he will hear the watchman there is still hope, Psalm 27:9, “Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

3. Those that WILL NOT HEAR him shall die in his iniquity, Ezekiel 3:19, “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”

II. THOSE WHO NEED NO WARNING

A. The faithful of the land, Matthew 24:45, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”

1. The eyes of the Lord are on the faithful, Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

2. The Lord upholds the faithful, Psalm 37:24, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

3. He will never forsake them, Psalm 37:27, “8For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

B. Those who are vigilant, 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

III. THOSE WHO TAKE HEED

A. Those who fear the Lord, Isaiah 50:10, “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”

B. Those who know the “secret of the Lord,” Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”

C. Those who have seen a great light, Isaiah 9:2, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

1. They have seen the Light of the World, John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

2. His glory shall be seen in us, Isaiah 60:1-3, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

3. We are now the light of the world, Matthew 5:14, 16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

CONCLUSION

The watchman has sounded the alarm. Will you hear it and set things straight with the Lord or will you be like many in Israel who would not hear God’s servant as he warned the people?

Heed the watchman and trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, or rededicate your life to the Lord and show what Christ has done for you. Judgment is coming.

POLLUTE MY HOLY NAME NO MORE–EZEKIEL 20:39

Art Davison OLD TESTAMENT 0 Comment
POLLUTE MY HOLY NAME NO MORE

Ezekiel 20:39, “As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, IF YE WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO ME: BUT POLLUTE YE MY HOLY NAME NO MORE with your GIFTS, and with YOUR IDOLS.”

Introduction:

Israel during all of her history has been up and down, vacillating in her service to Jehovah. When she had strong leaders as Joshua or one of the Judges she remained faithful to the Lord. However, when the strong man died eventually Israel fell into sin and idol worship pretending to worship Jehovah.

In our world today much the same is happening. False doctrine and sin has entered into many churches and the truth has become unknown to them. They have POLLUTED GOD’S HOLY NAME and lost their former position of respect before the world.

I. GOD WILL BRING YOU INTO JUDGMENT

A. Know for all these things YOU SHALL BE JUDGED, Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.”

1. God shall judge the RIGHTEOUS and the WICKED, Ecclesiastes 3:17, “I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”

a. God will judge with righteousness and equity, Psalms 98:9, “Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.”

b. He shall reward every man according to his works, Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

2. Go serve the gods that you have chosen, Judges 10:14, “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.”

a. Come to the house of God and transgress, Amos 4:4-5, “Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: 5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.”

1) The have CHANGED the TRUTH of God into a LIE, Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

2) God has GIVEN THEM UP to VILE affections, Romans 1:26-27, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

B. God has given them up to the LUST of their hearts, Psalms 81:12, “So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.”

II. MANY HAVE POLLUTE GOD’S HOLY NAME WITH THEIR FALSE CHRISTIANITY

A. Here is a judicial declaration of GOD’S GIVING UP of the HALF-IDOL, HALF-JEHOVAH WORSHIPPERS to utter idolatry, Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

1. Many churches have done what Israel did in the Old Testament as Stephen declared, Acts 7:43, “Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”

a. MOLOCH, the name of the NATIONAL GOD OF THE AMMONITES (modern Jordan), to whom children were sacrificed alive by fire.

b. The star of your god REMPHAN; these names represent the STAR-GOD SATURN or Moloch.

2. Many have halted between TWO OPINIONS, 1 Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

B. God anticipated the SAME APOSTASY afterwards, …AS NOW,

1. Today we have the SCOFFERS, 2 Peter 3:3, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,”

2. Today we have those whose LOVE HAS WAXED COLD, Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

3. Today many are trying to serve TWO MASTERS, Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

C. God will PURGE these out, Ezekiel 20:38, “And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

1. God will RECOMPENSE these folks, Ezekiel 11:21, “But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.”

2. God is KNOWN BY HIS JUDGMENT, Psalms 9:16, “The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.”