Sunday, April 13, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name is. . . Ish Makaboth", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014

April 13, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 14 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: Ish Makaboth”
Isaiah 53:7-12 The Message Bible
Isaiah 50:4-9a Complete Jewish Bible
Spangler, Ann (2008-09-09). Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide

“Hello My Name is. . . Ish Makaboth”

Let us pray. . .

Loving and Gracious God, full of compassion and love, You are the giver of all that is good and perfect. We thank you for this day that we can slow ourselves down and bask in Your word. As we sit at Your feet, we ask that You would help us understand the message for us today through the Spirit that You have placed within us. May that Spirit move within us so that we may see the light of your word. May we come away from our encounter with You this morning changed people of God. Speak to us Lord within the darkness of life, we are anxious to hear Your voice within our hearts and see the light of your glory.

Have you ever had so much sorrow over something or someone that it feels as if your heart is actually going to break? Have you ever been to a place like that and it feels as if you will not survive through your pain? When you are in the midst of this suffering and pain, we can feel as if we are all alone. No one can understand the pain and anguish you are feeling. You feel as if you are at the bottom of a dark, deep pit and there is no way out. There is no one who will come with a light to help you find your way out. Who will come and sit with you through this season of your journey and help you find a way out?

Today is Palm Sunday. Today we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem with waving Palms. The people knew that Jesus was special. They were sure that Jesus would be the one to save them from the tyranny of the Romans. Jesus was the Messiah that would free them as David would. Or was He?

We are continuing on our journey of learning the Sacred Names of God and praying in that same name. We have learned so many names for God it is very fitting that our Sacred Name of God is Ish Makaboth. . . Man of Sorrows. . . as we enter into Holy Week.

Now we have sort of touched on this Name of God. . . Ish Makaboth. . . when we talked about the Servant of the Lord. I had read the first part of Isaiah 53 a couple of weeks ago but today, I read the “rest of the story”. The part I read today reminds us of Holy week and what Jesus would suffer by the end of the week. We begin this week with the cry of  Hosannas and end it with shout of “Crucify Him!” As a matter of fact, after Jesus had His triumphal entry, He went away and looked over Jerusalem and cried over it there are two times that we hear about Jesus crying, one was over Lazzareth and the other over Jerusalem. . .  He was full of sorrow because the people just didn’t understand who He was. They were all happy and excited that Jesus was going to be the Messiah but it was a different type of Messiah than they wanted. They wanted one who was full of violence and retribution but what they had was one full of peace and compassion. Matthew 20:26-27 tells us “But that’s not the way it’s going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be most important among you will be your slave.” Jesus wept because He knew that the people wanted blood but what they didn’t realize that it would be His blood that would redeem and save them.

But there is something about this whole “Passion Week” that amazes me. It was how He reacted within His suffering. I would like to “unpack” that statement for you by first reading Isaiah 50 verses 4-9a. Now I would like for you listen to the words I am reading and tell me if you could have acted the same as Jesus did. . . read from the Complete Jewish Bible. . .

Now I don’t know about you but I don’t think I could have acted the same way. When I am hurt my first reaction is to hurt back. . . I am only human. I think we all want to see our oppressors  come to some kind of judgment. Remember last week we talked about Shophet. . . the Righteous Judge. . . we at times have a hard time waiting for our Judge to drop the hammer down on those who hurt us. . .  But listen to how a servant of God reacts. . . how they take suffering.

1.     Daily hears God’s voice strengthening them – verse 4 tells us that the servant of the Lord spends time with Him each day. Each day they are taught by God on what to do and they receive strength in the words God has for them. They are able to face each day knowing that God is with them. How much time do we. . . you and I. . . spend each day searching out God’s voice? How much time do we spend each day listening for God’s instruction for our lives? How excited are we each day to sit at the foot of the cross and just be. . . basking in the love and compassion that flows down from it?
2.     Willing accepts suffering – verse 5 tells us that the servant of the Lord “accepts their circumstances” because they know God is with them. . . that everything that happens is “Father Filtered.” Now this is hard. When we go through “the valley of the shadow of death”, how do we react? Do we trust that God will see us through or do we try to trust on our own strength and might to see us through? Do we run away from adversity or do we meet it head on with and through the strength of God?
3.     Endures suffering patiently – The servant of the Lord knows. . . is confident. . . that God will save them from whatever they face, as it says in verse 7, so they sit and wait and take their refuge in Him. Ok. . . there are times when we are going through a tough time on our faith journey and we just can’t see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How do we react in these times? Do we turn to God and His Word to remind us of His promises or do we only focus on what is ahead of us trying to think of a way out? Do we look for comfort in the Word of God or in the world in which we live? I don’t know about you. . . but when I am going through these times of trial. . . it is hard for me to be patient. I want it over “yesterday”.
4.     Trusts in God to deliver them from suffering – The servant of the Lord takes it all. The insults, the wounds, the innuendo’s. . . whatever comes their way. They have a “tunnel vision” on God and will not be moved. They know in the end they will triumph as in the second part of verse 7. And the church says REALLY Pastor Ruth. . .  how the heck do you expect us to take whatever people dish out to us. People are mean. . . humanity is cruel. . . how can we just sit by. Well. . . no one said it was going to be easy but with God on our side how can we not win?

I think my favorite part. . . the part that gets me through those tough times is what the rest of the scripture read this morning reads. . . My vindicator is close. . . God is close by ready to help me. Because of this fact, who can condemn me? If God is for us who can be against us. . . who can stand against us. Can somebody give me a GLORY!

 So. . . why suffer? Is not the question, because we live in a fallen world where there is suffering and despair. We don’t choose to suffer unless we are paranoid or have a martyr complex. It is not for us to choose. Suffering is a “cross we must bear.”  The true question is how we suffer when it comes as it will come to everyone of us. Are you in a season in your journey where you feel that you are suffering either by your own hand or by someone else’s? Do you feel like you are in the Sahara Desert with nothing but wide spread scorching sand? Are you looking for an oasis that you can come to and rest for a while? Beloved. . . Jesus our Lord and Savior suffered. He knows what you are going through. But you see Jesus Suffered, died and was buried. But on the third day He rose again and He will help you rise again from your valley of the shadow of death. He is waiting to cause healing rain fall upon your parched soul. . . the Healing Rain that falls down from the cross of Calvary. Find your rest, peace and hope in the One who has been there before. . . our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Come and dance in the rain of mercy, peace and redemption. He is always there waiting for you to join in the dance of life with Him

Let us pray. . .  (Pray to Ish Makaboth)

Amen!
April 13, 2014
Palm Sunday
Sermon 14 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:7-12 (The Message)
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 20:26-27
(Matthew 21:1-11)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ish Makaboth à Man of Sorrows
to “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin
distribution of the palms
Communion
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 13, 2014
&
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 13 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 94:2-15 (Living Bible)(TLB)
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message Bible)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Shopet à Judge
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Shopet”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 6, 2014
&
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:1-9 (The Message)
“The Suffering Servant”
1 Samuel 16:1-13
“God Looks into the Heart”
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 31:1-5 (Names of God bible)
John 13:12-17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
(John 20:16 – in the garden)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
Communion
children’s sermon by Regina Goode
about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17 (not read)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Prayers of the People by Ray Foss
children’s sermon by Kelly Curtis
-          Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Job 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
Romans 5:12-19 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah 49:7
Leviticus 25:48-49
Numbers 35:9-30
Jeremiah 50:33-34
Mark 10:54
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Opening Prayer
children’s sermon
-          Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer Lives”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Go’el”)
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 46
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name El Olam”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Olam”)
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Daniel 4:19, 24-35 (The Names of God Bible)
1 Kings 19 (The Names of God Bible)
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
children’s sermon, “God Rocks!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon ““Hello My Name El Elyon”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Elyon”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ishà Bridegroom
Hosea 2:16, 19-20
Revelations 19:6-9
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Bless His Holy Name
children’s sermon, Scouting Sunday,
by Jean Howes
-          God’s promise
and sermon “Hello My Name Is… Ish/ Bridegroom”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Ish”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Adonay (Adonai)à Lord
Daniel 9:9-16
Daniel 9:17-19
Daniel 9:9-19
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          a servant is someone who serves the Lord,
using all of their talents to bring His kingdom on earth,
serving our Master in everything they say and do.
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Adonay”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Chayà Living God
Joshua 3:7-13
2 Kings 19:14-16
Jeremiah 10:3-5
2 Corinthians 6:15-16
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
“We have a living and breathing God who is always there for us.
He answers us when we call. Our God is not dead…He surely alive…“
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El Chay”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Chay / Living God”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El à God
-          Elohimà God
-          EloahàGod
Genesis 1:2-2:3
Deuteronomy 28:2-6
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
Closing Song – “Friend of God”
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El, Elohim, and Eloah”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . God“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
(and a time to celebrate and remember our own baptism)
Sermon 2 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yeshua --> Jesus
-          Mashiach --> Christ, Messiah
Matthew 1:18-21
Psalm 2
Mark 1:14-20
Matthew 3:13-17
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is …Yeshua/Mashiach”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . Jesus, Christ, Messiah“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 12, 2014
&
Epiphany Sunday
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 1 of “What’s In A Name…”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ha-Shem -> the Name
-          Ehyeh -> I Am
Exodus 3:13-14
Leviticus 24:10-16
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          different names, different meaning – one person
-          many names for God, all one God
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
(saved as “Hello My Name Is. . . “)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No comments: