First Day: 'The Lord Is My shepherd.'
The sermon emphasizes the importance of reverencing Jehovah's name and claiming his fulness in our lives to experience victory and guidance.
J. Wilbur Chapman emphasizes the reverence the Israelites had for the name of Jehovah in the Old Testament, speaking it only once a year in the most holy place. He encourages the congregation to consider the significance of Jehovah's different names in the Old Testament, such as Jehovah-jireh (The Lord will provide) and Jehovah-shalom (Jehovah send peace), and how they can apply to our lives today in bringing victory and peace. Chapman urges believers to acknowledge their weakness, rely on God's strength to overcome temptations, and trust in God's provision and peace for each day.
Text
IT is said that whenever we find the Lord's name written in small capitals in the Old Testament, we are to remember that the thought is to be concerning Jehovah. The Israelites spoke his name but once a year, and then the high priest was the speaker, and the place was the most holy place. They had such a reverence, not only for Jehovah but also for his very name, that they would not set their feet upon a piece of parchment for fear his name might be upon the other side. And he whom Israel thus rev erenced is your Lord for this day. Is there any reason why it may not be a day of victory?
In different places in the Old Testament this very name Jehovah is used with added emphasis, as if to make plain what he would be to Israel.
Jehovah; that is, "I am that I am," Exod. 6: 3. Since we live in the New Testament times, it is our privilege to finish the sentence, making him to be all that our souls long for. I am thy life, thy strength, thy soul's delight; "I will guide thee with mine eye."
Jehovah-jireh; Gen. 22: 14; that is, "The Lord will provide." "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Every hour of this day his strength shall counteract thy weakness; his rest shall be in place of thy restlessness; he himself shall guard thee from every
ill.
Jehovah-nissi; that is, "Jehovah my banner," Exod. 17 : 15. There was to be fighting that day with Amalek, and Moses knew that victory was his because Jehovah was his secret of strength. There will be temptations for you this day, but temptation is not sin; yielding is sin. But no temptation can overtake you and cause defeat if the Lord be given the mastery of your life.
Jehovah-shalom; that is, "Jehovah send peace", Judg. 6 :24. And he will give peace in the place
of unrest, because he gives himself. It is every Christian's privilege to claim the Lord in all his fulness. Do this for today, and victory is certain.
SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY.
1. Realize, if you can, your own weakness. This will show you how dangerous your position is and how liable you are to fall.
2. Conceive, if you can, his mighty strength, and then realize that he is yours to stand between you and every temptation and trial.
3. Over and over this day keep saying, "If God be for me, who can be against me?"
4. Commit your way to him, and let him be responsible at least for this one day of your life.
Sermon Outline
- The Reverence for Jehovah
- Jehovah's Names and Titles
- Claiming Jehovah's Fulness
- Recognizing weakness and strength
- Committing to Jehovah's guidance
- Claiming victory through faith
- 'Jehovah-shalom: ''Jehovah send peace'''
Key Quotes
“I am thy life, thy strength, thy soul's delight; 'I will guide thee with mine eye.'” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“If God be for me, who can be against me?” — J. Wilbur Chapman
Application Points
- Recognize your own weakness and vulnerability to temptation.
- Claim Jehovah's strength and guidance in your life.
- Commit to Jehovah's guidance and trust in his provision.