Week commencing November 14th 2001

Devotional Materials. Week Commencing Sunday 14^th November 2021

Call to worship

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

Today is Remembrance Sunday and we remember those who have served and died in war so we can enjoy peace this morning. Our order of service will reflect this theme.

Hymn

I Watts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP_XxCBDZY

Opening prayer

‘Thank you Lord for your deliverance. We think of how you rescued Israel from their numerous bondages. You freed them from Egyptian slavery and led them to the land of Canaan. You liberated them from Babylonian captivity.

David, the psalmist found you to be a Redeemer, a Rescuer and Saviour.

Lord God we thank you that ultimately you came to rescue the human race in Jesus Christ. He is our Saviour. He mounted a rescue operation to all of us held in the bondage of sin.

Lord we thank you this morning for all those who have served in war and have given up their lives for our freedom. Father, thank you for their courage. Lord we thank you that you have delivered us from a great evil through their endeavours. Lord you are a faithful God. We praise you.’ Amen

Reading. Psalm 94:17-23

The Battle of Britain

Hymns

“Lord the light of your love is shining (Shine Jesus shine)” (MP 445. Piano)

Graham Kendrick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aREU7JLr5t8&t=7s

“Faithful One” (MP 825. Guitar)

Brian Doerkson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tum3U_28Xc4 

“Be still” (MP 50. Piano)

David J Evans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuTmBRLs5lg

Prayer

Gracious God, we pray for peace in your world: for all national leaders, that they may have wisdom to know and courage to do what is right; for all men and women, that their hearts may be turned to yourself in the search for righteousness and truth; for those who are working to improve international relationships, that they may find the true way of reconciliation; for those who suffer as a result of war: the injured and disabled, the mentally distressed, the homeless and hungry, those who mourn their dead, and especially for those who are without hope or friend to sustain them in their grief. God of grace, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace and the Saviour of the World.

(Taken from Gathering for Worship, ©Baptist Union of Great Britain)

Sentences

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46.1

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121.1-2

Remembering

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.  

We will remember them.

The beginning of the two-minute silence. Silence

Prayer

Ever-living God we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Address “Our response to those who have given up so much for us.” Thankfulness, Penitence for our sin and for evil in the world, Dedication to the Lord, Assured hope.

(This address will be available later today on ‘YouTube’. Just type in ‘Angmering Baptist Church’ on YouTube or go to our website for the necessary link. If you do not have access to YouTube here is a sermon I have written from Psalm 23, this time focusing on Psalm 23: 2: ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters’)

Psalm 23: 2: ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters’

Last week we saw that if a person has the Lord as their Shepherd then they shall not want. The continual restlessness that plagues the human heart is cured by Christ. Gradually as we learn to refuse to think everything depends on us. Even as Christians we have to learn- often the hard way- that we can do nothing without Him. He shows us our weakness, He brings us to the place of brokenness, a death to ourselves in some way or other. Until we learn a humility, a dependence. Then He delights to show His strength through our weakness.

Having opened with this statement, the Psalm proceeds to outline in very specific ways how the person led by the Shepherd is kept from want.

And the first thing that the Shepherd led person is kept from is the want of rest.

This verse breathes the very spirit of rest: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters”.

It is a delightful picture. The sheep have been on the move, the sun has been beating down. The air is stifling and the hot stones that the sheep walk on burn their feet. The sheep need the Shepherd to lead them to places of shelter, the shade of a rock, or a grassy clearing with bushes and trees. And they need the quiet waters- not the violent waters of gushing waterfalls or fast moving currents. No sheep would drink of these. But where the waters quietly move, unhurried. Where the waters surface is translucent, the river bed clearly seen- there is hardly a ripple. All is at rest, there is peace and calm, and the sheep are no longer restless but content and satisfied. The air itself is cooled by the waters.

We all need rest.

On a physical level alone, it is essential that we discipline ourselves to take rest.

On physical level if we don’t- strained nerves, ineffectiveness, lowered vitality, physical illness, exhaustion/breakdown

The wisdom of our Creator is that He shows us by example that we must physically rest. He Himself created the World in 6 days and rested on the 7^th.

Presumably the omnipotent Lord could have created everything in 7 milliseconds/instantly. It didn’t have to be as long as 6 days. Just as Christ revealed the Creator God when He instantly gave people sight and raised them from the dead. But the Lord deliberately created everything in 6 days so we would learn from his example. Work 6 days, rest on the seventh (Exodus 20:9-11). He did this as a Creation ordinance for all men and women, that they follow this pattern themselves.

The Jews kept the Sabbath. Paul wrote to young believers who were being troubled by legalistic teachers. A key issue became what parts of the Old Testament law were the Christians to follow? Paul writes in Colossians 2: 16, 17: “Don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself” (Cf Gal.4:3-12).

The principle of having a physical day of rest, however, still holds good, and practically for most that works out on a Sunday.

Practically then the Sabbath (a Saturday for the Jews) was, a refraining from work- physical rest, but also an opportunity to receive teaching from the Scriptures and set aside time deliberately to worship the Lord in fellowship with His people in the synagogues and temple. And although our Sunday as Christians is not a Sabbath, it is the day where most people are free from employment. Services are held on that day so they have opportunity to find rest for their souls in worship of the Lord and to feed on Him.

The analogy of feeding in Scripture is very much that of hearing and assimilating the truths of God’s Word. The green pastures are the Scriptures of truth- always fresh, always rich, and never exhausted. Where the grass is long the sheep aren’t going to bite the dry ground. The Holy Spirit leads the believer into the truths of Scripture, the Spirit led believer is always wanting to meditate on and feed from the Word. By faith we then begin to see things as they really are. The character of God, what is of value to Him, and we enter into His promises

The New Testament spiritual understanding of Rest is not, however, confined to the Sabbath principle of a day a week to concentrate on the Lord. We are always in a state of Sabbath rest before the Lord. Hebrews 4:1-11. Entering a Sabbath Rest in Christian terms, is to lay down the belief we can be accepted by God through own virtues/keeping demands of the Law, and instead hearing the Gospel, receiving it by faith, and so entering the rest provided by God. Justified, accepted by Him. Strife set aside. Now peace in union with Christ. So this rest speaks of our relationship with Christ and taking time to receive from Him and feed on Him “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” says Jesus. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It’s our privilege that we are at rest in Christ all the time. Since the Lord lives in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, He is ever with us.

Perhaps this is why the Psalm begins with rest and ends with it. The rest here speaks of contemplation and adoration. Here is special time of quiet, of presence of being with each other- sheep and shepherd together.

All through Scripture there is this emphasis on the priority of adoration/ contemplation/making time for relationship with the Lord. The priorities of teaching and prayer as the language of relationship:

E.g. Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42. Here we see the same priority: (Read Luke 10:38-42)

Mary had chosen to spend time in the Lord’s presence and receive teaching from him. This is the equivalent of the sheep feeding on the green pastures and being led by streams of water. Here is spirituality. Listening to the Lord, time with Him. Martha on the other hand is distracted by all the preparations that had to be made and she complains to the Lord about Mary: “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself. Tell her to help me”. Jesus sympathises with Martha “Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen better and it will not be taken away from her” Yes, the work has to be done, but Mary had chosen what was better.

So aren’t we supposed to serve others as Christians? That’s what Martha was doing wasn’t it? Yes of course. Jesus has just told the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan shows practical works of mercy towards the man who had been beaten up by robbers. This parable is the main justification for mercy ministries carried out by churches like our own- Street Pastors, Solid Rock and so on. Excellent practical applications of the second great commandment Jesus has given just before the Parable of the Good Samaritan- “Love your neighbour as yourself”.

But what is the first great commandment Jesus has given? “Love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the second commandment- Love your neighbour as yourself. However, this episode with Mary and Martha is designed to illustrate the priority of the first commandment- Love the Lord your God…When Jesus says Mary has chosen the one thing needed, he is illustrating the priority of the first commandment. When you are spending time in Jesus presence- through prayer and reading/meditating on the Bible- - then you are like Mary. You have got the priority straight. The one thing needed. You are loving the Lord your God.

You see there are many balances in the Christian life. And here Jesus illustrates this balance between Christian service on the one hand- love your neighbour, the Parable of the Good Samaritan and so forth. But on the other side of the balance is feeding on Christ. Worship/adoration/learning from Him. In short nurturing the relationship with Christ. Yes, the balance is essential. But even here the essential thing is the relationship with Christ- this is the one thing needed.

If we neglect the relationship, then our spirit is restless and we go wrong. Martha’s acts of service had become more important to her than the Lord. Worldly care. Danger all fall into. Take good things of the Lord and become preoccupied with them. Over concerned. Become more important to us than the Lord.

We know Martha had the balance wrong because it showed in her spirit. She complained: “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” That complaint shows the wrong spirit behind her service. Her service not out of love for God. Eyes on other people. Pharisees made it into an art- love to do things to be seen by others. For the praise of men. To be seen. Spirit gone wrong- neglected relationship with God

Martha had neglected the one thing needed- not in an extreme way like the Pharisees, but her spirit was wrong. If we neglect the one thing needed then in the end we will lose motivation. We will give up.

Someone has highlighted what happens when we lose the balance and the priority of the one thing needed:

“Mary had a little lamb

‘Twas given her to keep

But then it joined the Baptist Church

And died for lack of sleep”

Mary had chosen the one thing needed.

The priority of the relationship with the Lord, breathes health into our spirits, restores us, makes us wiser:

“Remain in me and my words remain in you”

“Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest”

Yes, Jesus was busy. But see how He took time to be with His disciples and teach them. See how He took time out to pray.

(Mary spent time in the Lord’s presence. When Mary did act it counted. She had listened to the Lord- so later we read in John’s gospel she anointed Jesus for his death- poured expensive nard/perfume on him. got the one thing needed right- so when all the disciples deserted Jesus and were looking at what was happening in a human/fearful way- her spirit was right- having spent time listening to the Lord- probably about his coming crucifixion/resurrection- she acted accordingly.)

This prayer speaks of the right balance of contemplation/relationship and service:

Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me

That working or resting I may always think of you;

Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me

That at home or abroad, I may always walk in your way;

Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me

That thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong

Lord of my heart, give me courage to strengthen me

That amongst friends or enemies, I may always proclaim your justice

Lord of my heart, give me trust to console me

That hungry or well fed, I may always rely on your mercy

Heart of my own heart, whatever may befall me

Rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and actions. Amen

 

The One thing needed. It’s not that some temperaments are more contemplative, and others are more service orientated. So the contemplative ones can do what they do and the action people what they do. No, each of us must discover this balance, and be involved in both. But the one thing needed; the priority within that balance for each person is the relationship/ the rest in Christ.

So, if we’re really following the Shepherd we will be kept from the want of rest. All around us are restless people. Ever looking for the next thing to fill up their souls. The aching void within. Instead of feeding on the Word of God they eat the food of pigs. The business world is ever saying to people- climb this ladder then you will have life/significance. Running from one experience to the next, one relationship to the next. More sexual relations outside of God’s marriage ordinance between a man and his wife. More money, more ambition. More eating/wolfing down the food of pigs. Always wanting more.

So if non-Christians see us kept from the want of rest. Christians who are content and at peace in Christ- isn’t that going to draw them to Him?

Testimony. Christine. Christine was fearful, facing an operation on her liver, some years ago. She went into hospital. Christine saw a lady visited by a minister in the hospital ward where she was being cared for. Christine thought she also needed someone to pray for her soul. What if she had died and no one had been there to pray for her. Christine spoke to the lady who the minister had comforted. This lady then invited Christine to a service at the church she attended. Christine’s soul was in turmoil. But she saw a lady who was at peace. She saw 2 people relying on their Lord and Saviour. And she knew that’s what her soul needed too. Interestingly the Lord Himself drew her attention to it- He was speaking to her about her need of His shepherd care.

It should not surprise us if we ignore the Shepherd’s lead in this priority and so lose our rest. When we run in every direction, following the devices and desires of our own hearts. We substitute our plans for his. We insist on our schemes and strategies.

The Good Shepherd waits to make you lie down and to cause you to drink deep draughts of His rest. His presence. Give to Him all that breaks the stillness of your spirit. Whatever irritates and drags you down; however small or insignificant- hand it over to Him, and instead take from Him His own deep rest.

Whatever it is that troubles you, remember all He has already done for you. He would not have done all that He has already now to give you up and lose you. You may feel so overwhelmed. So heart broken, that you can’t string any words together. Just say “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me” “Lord Jesus I need you” and He will comfort you. His assurance is “My sheep shall never perish, no one will pluck them out of my hand”.

To feed on Christ, to hear Him speak, to be at rest in His presence. Intimate communion with Him. This is life. This is eternal satisfaction. Here are the green pastures and quiet waters indeed. The one thing needed.

Prayer.

Let us now come to you

Our hearts are cold

Lord warm them by your selfless love

Our hearts are sinful

Cleanse them with your precious blood

Our hearts are weak

Strengthen them with your joyous spirit

Our hearts are empty

Fill them with your divine presence

Lord Jesus our hearts are yours; possess

Them always and only for yourself”     Amen

The National Anthem

[Verse 4:]
From every latent foe,
From the assassins blow,
God save the Queen!
O'er her thine arm extend,
For Britain's sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!

[Verse 5:]
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign!
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen