Himself
The sermon emphasizes the journey of surrendering to God and finding true joy and solace in His presence amidst life's challenges.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the journey of being brought into a large place by God, symbolizing His infinite being where all life converges. Through humility and surrender, like David, we are led to God Himself, the ultimate destination. Just as the Israelites were carried on eagle's wings to God, we are called to full surrender, even in times of sorrow, disappointment, and loss, as God draws us closer to Himself, where true bliss is found.
Text
"He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me; because he delighted in me" (Ps. 18:19).
And what is this "large place"? What can it be but God Himself, that infinite Being in whom all other beings and all other streams of life terminate? God is a large place indeed. And it was through humiliation, through abasement, through nothingness that David was brought into it.--Madame Guyon
"I bare you on eagle's wings, and brought you unto myself" (Exod. 19:4).
Fearing to launch on "full surrender's" tide,
I asked the Lord where would its waters glide
My little bark, "To troubled seas I dread?"
"Unto Myself," He said.
Weeping beside an open grave I stood,
In bitterness of soul I cried to God:
"Where leads this path of sorrow that I tread?"
"Unto Myself," He said.
Striving for souls, I loved the work too well;
Then disappointments came; I could not tell
The reason, till He said, "I am thine all;
Unto Myself I call."
Watching my heroes--those I loved the best--
I saw them fail; they could not stand the test,
Even by this the Lord, through tears not few,
Unto Himself me drew.
Unto Himself! No earthly tongue can tell
The bliss I find, since in His heart I dwell;
The things that charmed me once seem all as naught;
Unto Himself I'm brought.
--selected
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the 'large place' of God - The significance of God's delight in us - The journey through humiliation to divine presence
- II points: - The call to full surrender - Trusting God's guidance in uncertain times - The importance of yielding to God's will
- III points: - The path of sorrow as a means to God - Finding solace in God's presence during grief - Embracing the journey of faith amidst trials
- IV points: - The struggle of striving for souls - Recognizing God's sufficiency in our efforts - The call to focus on our relationship with God
- V points: - The failure of earthly heroes - Learning to rely solely on God - The transformative power of divine love
- VI points: - Experiencing bliss in God's heart - The contrast between worldly charms and divine fulfillment - The ultimate joy of being brought unto Himself
Key Quotes
“He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me; because he delighted in me.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Unto Myself! No earthly tongue can tell the bliss I find, since in His heart I dwell.” — Charles E. Cowman
“I bare you on eagle's wings, and brought you unto myself.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Embrace the journey of faith, recognizing that trials can lead us closer to God.
- Practice full surrender by trusting God with your uncertainties and fears.
- Seek solace in God's presence during times of sorrow, knowing He is always with you.