Series: Beyond the Horizon
Video Transition: Sunset at Christian Hills Church
Video Message: We opened the service with a clip of the sunset from here on the hill of Christian Hills Church, we had in that clip people who were beholding the beauty of a sunset which according to Scripture reveals the glory of God, it reveals the work of God’s hands, it causes us to be awe of the wonder and beauty of God. As they gazed and pondered the sunset, they saw the majesty of the sunset created that evening by God speaking to them and then they looked beyond the sunset to what lies beyond the horizon. Beyond the horizon of this natural realm is a placed called Heaven, a place filled with the presence and splendor of God. A place which waits for our arrival. Have you seen it? Have you had those “Aha” moments with the Lord, those gazing moments where your spiritual eyes are opened to see him and experience Him. Has your heart been filled with joy and hope and faith? I pray we all this Easter see “Beyond the horizon” of this world to see a new revelation of Jesus and God’s goodness!
Opening Scripture Text to clarify video:
Psalm 65:8: (NASB) They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.
Psalm 65: 8 (NIV) “Those living far away fear (awe) your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.”
Psalm 65:8: (NLT) “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.”
Opening thoughts: Have you seen beyond the horizon of this world? If you have a desire, to see Beyond the Horizon you will see past the ripples of sin, the pain of sin, the hurt of sin, you will receive joy in your grief, and find healing for your brokenness. If you choose to see beyond the horizon of this life, you will ignite faith and hope in the God of glory! If you look beyond the horizon, you will see things spiritually others cannot see without Jesus! So, my question is “Do you want to see Beyond the Horizon?”
Thesis: When we get a revelation of Jesus, and we see beyond the horizon of this life, and we get a glimpse of what awaits us in Heaven! Perspective changes, attitudes change, and healing is unleashed! When we choose to see beyond the horizon, we see the glory and majesty of the Lord which awaits us just over the horizon of this life. We need to see beyond the horizon of this world with faith and hope! When we do we experience the presence, the goodness of God.
Scripture verse for series: Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Introduction to series:
Today is Palm Sunday - we celebrate Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem! The people on Palm Sunday are excited, singing, praising, rejoicing over Jesus coming to the city, but the sad fact is they could not see beyond the horizon of Rome, or beyond the natural realm. The result of them having limited vision, tunnel vision, nearsightedness resulted in them missing the mission of Jesus, they also missed seeing the Glory of God, The Word of God right in front of them. There limited vision and lack of faith caused them to praise him on Sunday but then fall away during Passion Week – this then resulted in them shouting out on Friday to “Crucify Him.”
They saw Jesus as the one to deliver them from Roman rule but not as “The One” bringing freedom from the bondage of sin. They missed the Revelation of Jesus as their Messiah or as “The Lamb of God chosen by God to be slain at Passover for the sins of the world.” Yes, the one who would set them free from the bondage of sin and shame was in front of them and they could not see Him!
The truth is we have a natural horizon we see everyday but if you learn to look beyond the horizon with faith and hope, you will see this world is not our home, it is not all there is, there is a better place coming and Jesus came declaring that truth, He declared the message of the Kingdom of God – The Kingdom of Heaven. But they missed it - the One who they were hoping for to come was here but they did not see Him or hear Him.
Scripture Verse: Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey: Luke 19:28-48
The Triumphal Entry
28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,
30“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.
33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it
42and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Time frame when Jesus entered Jerusalem – my observation: After much study I believe Jesus would have entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday late afternoon or early evening shortly before the sunset.
Our series for Easter “Beyond the Horizon” was chosen to help us see beyond our natural view of the horizon which we see in everyday life. Our prayer is that you would get a vision, a dream or even a divine revelation of beyond the horizon of this world. We are desiring God to reveal himself to you through Jesus! I am praying that every one of you will see beyond the horizon of this world. We have been praying for the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to see something you have never seen before in 2024. I pray you come to see beyond the horizon and see Jesus in all His glory, majesty, and power and in that vision or revelation you experience a divine transformation of your life.
Over this week and next week, we will be sharing testimonies, you will see and hear them over this holy week, and we pray your spiritual eyes will be opened to see beyond the horizon of your natural sight (Your current circumstances). We will also pray that you will see beyond the horizon of the bad in this world and get a glimpse of the goodness of God, the love of God and the promises of God for you. So, my challenge is that you allow the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and ears over these next two weeks of services.
Sermon 1: Beyond the Horizon – The Sunset!
Thesis: Sunsets give us a glimpse of the beauty, glory and majesty of the Lord and give us a picture of His eternal Kingdom. Sunsets according to scripture call forth songs of joy and reveal the works of the hands of God. They are a nightly testimony that points to our Creator God! They speak to us reveal to us the Lord.
Scripture Verse:
Psalm 65:8: (NASB) They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.
Psalm 65: 8 (NIV) “Those living far away fear (awe) your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.”
Psalm 65:8: (NLT) “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.”
Psalms makes it clear that we should be in awe of sunsets because they reveal a revelation of the Lord and what is beyond the horizon of this life!
Psalm 19:1-6: (NIV) 1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat (or I add its light).
In the book of Revelation, we get more insight into the power and the glory of Jesus: John the apostle states this as he received a Revelation of Jesus in the end times. The book of Revelation 21:23 and 22:5 state that in the city of God, there will be no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. The Lord God will illuminate the people, and there will be no night there. The city will be lit by the glory of God and the Lamb.
Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday greeted with Hosanna’s and blessings – But He knows He is coming to be sacrificed for the sins of the people – but the people praising Jesus cannot see beyond their own limited horizon – they see Jesus as a king (a natural one) who should and would deliver them from Rome! But Jesus saw beyond the natural horizon to what they really needed and that was deliverance from sin and spiritual deception.
Question: What do you see – can you see “Beyond the Horizon” of each day? If not then I suggest you gaze, pray and meditate at a few sunsets each week.
Introduction to sermon 1: Beyond the Horizon of a Sunset!
Every day we experience a miracle a sign from God of what’s beyond the horizon. That sign or miracle is what we call sunsets. Most miss the sunsets but if we take the time to look you can see something at the horizon at the end of the day. The horizon is there throughout the day, but many ignore it and pay no attention to it. But if we look up from our busy and hurried lives and gaze at the horizon of where the earth meets the sky, we may be surprised at what we see. Actually, we may be “awed” at what happens at the horizon in the morning hours and the closing hours of the day.
Observation of being on a hill: Christian Hills Church sets on a hill we are the highest point around this area, and we are in a perfect position here on the hill to see the horizon. I have seen beautiful sunrises from this hill and many gorgeous sunsets. To be even more informative for you, on a clear day if you stand on the front entrance to the church and look over Dunkin donuts you will see the horizon with the skyline of the city of Chicago in it. I have prayed over that horizon and view many times for God to revive our city!
But the truth is many of us rarely take the time to look at the horizons we see each day. We scurry here and there and miss what’s happening on the horizon! If we are honest with ourselves, we get so busy we never look up!
When you look at the horizon in front of you what do you see? No seriously have you looked at the horizon lately?
Over the next three services we will be looking at the horizon: And we will be looking beyond the horizon too!
We will start our horizon gazing today and look at the horizon at sunset – then on Good Friday we will look at the horizon of the midnight hour – then on Easter Sunday we will explore the horizon of the sunrise!
I pray these messages and services open your eyes spiritually to see beyond the horizon of this world and see a vision and revelation of Jesus and what awaits us in Heaven!
What does the word sunset mean?
Sunset is the moment when the upper edge of the Sun disappears on the horizon in the evening, marking the end of the day. The sun sets at different times in different seasons of the year. You are not always at work, not always in the subway, not always on the highway, not always on your porch when the sun is going down. It sets at different times of the evening!
Why are sunsets different from sunrises?
The colors of the sunset result from a phenomenon called scattering, says Steven Ackerman, professor of meteorology at UW-Madison. Molecules and small particles in the atmosphere change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter. The colors you see are a result of dust particles in the air.
What are sunsets symbols of?
The sunset symbolizes the completion of a day's work and shows the passage of time according to many ancient writings. As the sun sets, it is time to end the day and take a break to sit back and reflect on your day. The awesome beauty of the setting sun is also symbolic of the beauty, majesty and mystery of God and life itself. As the sun sets, light fades, which is symbolic of the forces of darkness which seek to do harm in the night.
Why do people love sunsets and sunrises?
Sunsets can have a particular place in one's heart because of the beauty they contain. The sunset is a reminder that, just as light shines through the clouds, through the dust, all of our difficulties may be alleviated. Also, as the sun sets and rises every day, it gives us optimism that good things will happen in our lives. We get new beginnings each day and discover God is with us to make all things new – if we connect with Him. Some say sunsets can be a time of healing and a infusion of hope.
T.S. – So we get a basic understanding of sunsets from what I just shared - but sunsets also reveal God’s glory, God’s beauty, God’s works and they seek to get us to see “Beyond the Horizon” of a sunset and to what lays beyond the sunset.
1. Beholding the beauty of the sunset opens the door to seeing the message of Jesus – it creates an opportunity to behold the glory of God beyond the horizon. Besides you don’t know how many sunsets you have left!
a. Scripture Verse:
i. Psalm 19:1-6:
1. 1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat (or light).
a. Our psalmist David has seen beyond the horizon of a sunset and into a spiritual truth inspired by what he saw. He reveals how the sunset speaks to him each night about God.
i. The sunset declares the glory of God.
ii. The sunset proclaims the work of the hands of God.
iii. The sunset speaks of God and pours forth knowledge of Him.
iv. The sunset and speaking of God go out to the whole earth – to the ends of the world.
v. The sunset is a creation of God who set it into motion.
1. Wow – did you ever ponder how much the sunset speaks of God?
2. Have you beheld the glory of God lately? When was the last time you experienced the glory of God in your life? Have you ever experienced the glory of God?
a. When we read our Psalm, we discover that the psalmist David tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God! This splendor is seen day after day and night after night!
i. In appears in sunrises and sunsets!
b. Yes, the psalmist David is referring to sunrises and sunsets in the psalm – he is telling us that we can behold the glory of God by looking at the sunrise and sunset of each day!
i. Have you ever pondered that spiritual truth before? Have you ever done this?
ii. Personal Story from Hawaii: Kathy and I went to Hawaii for our 7th anniversary many years ago and one night we walked out onto the beach to watch the sunset. I noticed that there were a lot of people on the beach watching the sun go down. It was quiet even with all the people as everyone was looking out across the ocean at the sun as it descended. The waves of the ocean were rushing up onto the beach gently and you could hear the “swoosh” of them. No one was talking, just looking, and pondering, and gazing! When the sun finally descended beyond the horizon and slipped behind the horizon - everyone on the beach started clapping and cheering! I was in awe and inspired by the moment. I felt God’s presence sweep over me on the beach as I gazed at the beauty, and at the colors of the sunset. It was breath taking to see and I just felt God’s touch on my heart. I thought to myself “WOW” I just watched and experienced a “AHA” moment with God through a sunset!
1. So today I want to ask you some questions as we celebrate Palm Sunday and ponder the life and the death of Jesus this Passion Week.
a. But before I do that, I want to remind you to imagine with me for a moment – Yes, please use your spiritual imagination for a moment - Jesus is riding into Jerusalem with the cheers and praise of the people – he just raised Lazarus from the dead - But recall the near sightedness of these people who are saying “Hosana - save us!” “Blessed is He who comes”. Remember they are throwing coats and laying palms down before Jesus as He rides in on this donkey. The Pharisees are getting mad telling Jesus to stop his disciples from saying what they are saying. He says if they don’t praise him then the rocks themselves will cry out. The scene is a joy filled parade of honoring their king. But remember there is a problem with the crowd “They cannot see Beyond the Horizon” by Friday they will not be shouting “Hosana” but “Crucify Him!” Why because all they saw was Jesus as a potential or natural king who could deliver them from Rome! They did not see beyond the horizon of their circumstance or see into who Jesus really was “The Lamb of God” coming to be slain for the sins of the people of the world!
i. I will say it again - they were nearsighted – even blind to who Jesus really was!
b. The big question from this sermon:
i. How many sunsets have you seen during this last week, this last month, this last year? How many have you seen in the last ten years, the last twenty, the last thirty? Can you count them?
1. Have they impacted you and spoke to you about God – or about Jesus or even the Holy Spirit?
a. I am not asking you how many have you glanced at, but how many have you gazed upon, paid attention to, and pondered the wonder of a sunset?
2. I am really asking you how many of you have taken in a sunset with prayerful meditation? I am asking if you have encountered a sunset and been impressed by its beauty? I am asking if you really have allowed it to saturate your heart, mind, and soul at the end of a busy day?
a. Have you ever experienced a sunset that touched you spiritually – like it says in Psalm 65:8:
i. “Those living far away fear (awe) your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.”
1. Did you know that sunsets were designed by God to call forth songs of joy in your heart, soul and mind? To cause you to be in wonder and awe of the Creator God.
a. Yes, that is why they were created by God!
3. How many sunsets stand out vividly and gloriously on the walls of your memory in your spiritual life?
ii. How many of you can say that the glory of setting suns is an appreciable factor in the development of your emotional and spiritual life?
1. Why? Because when you take the time to sit down, meditate, ponder the glory of God you see beyond the horizon of that majestic sunset?
a. You understand there is a place more beautiful than even a sunrise or sunset!
b. Just read the book of Revelation, listen to the words in red of Jesus!
2. I have come to understand something in my life of 64 years – it is a sad fact that what becomes routine or customary in our life soon becomes commonplace and we fail to see the beauty and majesty in that daily moment. The truth is the oft-repeated soon loses its power over us to behold how wonderful it really is.
a. Can you relate to what I am saying? Have you been there?
c. Illustration TV Show: I have recently got into to watching a reality tv show called “Flying Wild Alaska.”
i. The show centers around an Alaskan airline ERA Alaska run by the Tweto’s Jim, Ferno and Ariel.
1. The show only aired for 3 seasons because at the end of the 3rd season Jim retired from running the company because it had grown so large!
a. The show features the Tweto family from Unalakleet, Alaska who run the Alaska airline Era Alaska. They operate the hub operations from Unalakleet. The show also features other segments from their bases in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Deadhorse, and other places.
b. The family is shown in one of the episodes hiking up a mountain nearby so they can watch the last sunset for the season in late Nov. Why the big deal to hike up and see the sunset? Because the sun sets in late November and does not return until late January! They talk of how special the sunset is (Every one of them because they will so miss the sun in those 60 days of darkness). They talk of how blessed they are to live in Alaska and do what they love, flying and helping the people of Alaska. The end of that episode shows the whole family standing together watching the sunset and it reveals – how they seem to be looking beyond the horizon of the sunset – remember they will not see the sun for about 60 days!
c. In one of the episodes a comment was made about living and just surviving in Alaska – they said you need to live life - not just exist! You should not be hiding away from living – If we really want to thrive in this life and behold the beauty of Alaska and life itself you need to enjoy life – enjoy what you are doing – WHY? Because you never know how many sunsets you have left!
i. Update on the show: The show had its final episode aired in 2012. But tragically Jim Tweto was killed in an airplane crash in June of 2023 at the age of 68.
1. His daughter and wife said, “Jim died loving what he did and doing what he loved.”
a. 1,000 people showed up for his funeral – Jim had impacted 1,000 of people doing what he loved.
b. The family said he died what he loved doing!
ii. So, I come back to that thought, that question brought up in the show: “How many sunsets do you have left?”
1. Illustration Song: Interestingly as I pondered this question, I came across a song on the radio which also spoke of sunsets – The song was written by Dan and Shay – and it was sung as a trio with Dan and Shay and Kelly Clarkson, the song was called - “Keeping Score.”
a. Here are the lyrics:
i. Someday we're gonna look back on a night like tonight
The car I pulled up in,
The necklace you're wearing won't even cross our minds
Someday we're gonna blink twice
Say it happens like that
How much money we saved up for the time that we gave up
Well, it'll all just be math
ii. I know I'm only human
Don't know how many sunsets I got left
And I don't wanna ruin
This moment by wondering what comes next
I just want to love you like it's all I'm living for
Hold you close, enjoy you more
And spend a little less time keeping score
iii. If we're rich to somebody
We're poor to somebody else
We could be happy and nameless
Or broke and famous
But, from what I can tell
It's that it doesn't really matter
You can't take with you when you go
Life is only getting faster
(Life is only getting faster)
So, baby, I rather take tonight nice and slow
iv. Cause', I know I'm only human
Don't know how many sunsets I got left
And I don't wanna ruin
This moment by wondering what comes next
I just want to love you like it's all I'm living for
Hold you close, enjoy you more
And spend a little less time keeping score
v. Be with me now
Be with me right now
Be with me right here, right now
Be with me now
Be with me right now
Be with me right here, right now
vi. I know I'm only human
Don't know how many sunsets I got left
And I don't wanna ruin
This moment by wondering what comes next
I just want to love you like it's all I'm living for
Hold you close, enjoy you more
And spend a little less time keeping score
Oh, yeah
Keeping score
b. The song realizes that none of us know how many sunsets we may have left! If we have this truth in our hearts and minds, then it should compel us not to keep score in this life but instead forgive.
i. Can I point out that Jesus riding in on that donkey Palm Sunday knew he only had a few sunsets left – so he healed people, delivered people, taught spiritual truths, cleansed the temple, rebuked the religious leaders for being merciless and not loving and he knew by Friday the people would be saying to “Crucify Him!”
1. But even Jesus in His agony physically and mentally on the cross asked that the Lord forgive them (The ones who did this to Him) why because they know not what they do!
2. What a great spiritual perspective to have in this life!
d. As I pondered Jesus triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, I am reminded over and over that Jesus knew that he had only a few sunsets left! He knew he was coming to Jerusalem to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
i. The truth is: Jesus predicted his death many times prior to entering Jerusalem – he knew his sunsets were coming to an end I did this list of the events of Passion week to remind you of all He did. We need to be reminded of what happened during that week “Passion Week” is important – you can grab a sheet in the back on your way out with a palm to remind you what he said and did.
1. In fact, Jesus predicted His death at least three times in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and in the book of John he offers even more predictions.
a. The Gospel of John gives a few more predictions of Jesus’s death, but they are slightly more subtle. For instance, when Mary anointed Jesus with the costly perfume, and Judas asked if she should have sold it for the poor, Christ said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (John 12:7–8).
ii. I know Jesus knew he had limited sunsets left as he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and seeing all the people shouting “Hosana” “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Jesus knew he would see his last sunset Thursday of passion week. Scripture had to be fulfilled and He knew He needed to do the will of the Father. You see Jesus saw Beyond the Horizon!
1. John 12:35-36 Jesus said you have the light only a little longer.35Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.” 36Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
a. Jesus knew his time had come – He was going to fulfill his divine mission for God the Father! This is why He spent time with the Father! It helped Him see beyond the Horizon!
i. See Garden of Gethsemane story in Matthew 26:36-46!
2. Poem to ponder about Sunsets – and death and what’s beyond the horizon:
a. Beyond the Sunset
• Should you go first, and I remain,
• To walk the road alone.
• I live in memories garden, dear,
• With happy days we’ve known.
• In spring I’ll wait for roses, red,
• When faded, the lilacs blue.
• In early fall when brown leaves fall,
• I’ll catch a glimpse of you.
• Should you go first and I remain,
• For battles to be fought.
• Each thing you’ve touched along the way.
• Will be a hallowed spot.
• I hear your voice, I’ll see your smile,
• Tho’ blindly I may grope.
• The memory of your helping hand
• Will buoy me on with hope.
• Should you go first, and I remain,
• One thing I’ll have you do:
• Walk slowly down that long, long path,
• For soon I’ll follow you.
• I want to know each step you take,
• So I may take the same.
• For someday down that lonely road,
• You’ll hear me call your name.
1. Sunsets we really don’t know how many we have left – so what are you doing with your life – are you seeing beyond the horizon?
2. We need to walk in the light with our life and connect with the light while it is day.
e. Psalm 27: Reminds us all of who is the light!
i. Psalm 27 Of David:
1. 1The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall, I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? 2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then will I be confident. 4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. 9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. 10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. 11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
a. We need to see “Beyond the Horizon” and see and know the Goodness of the Lord!
2. Repetition seems to sear the heart as if by a red-hot iron. If the sun went down only once in a hundred years what a worldwide commotion the sunset would create!
T.S. – I think we should take the time this week to behold the beauty of a sunset and see beyond the horizon, so we get a fresh revelation and view of Jesus! Why do this because in gazing on that sunset we will ponder the works of God, see the creative power of God and the beauty of God and get a glimpse of Heaven. I believe if we pray and meditate at sunset, we will see and experience the glory and presence of God and it will renew us.
2. Do you want to see the glory of God – experience His presence – do you need an infusion of joy after a long rough day? Then sit and watch the sunset! In these “Aha” moments your faith will grow – joy will come – you will see God – you will hear God speak – this all will rejuvenate your soul and spirit.
a. I am serious here you need to take in more sunsets and allow God to reveal himself to you!
i. Quote from Bible bender: “There is nothing more picturesque in nature than a sunset, especially if you contrast it with the other surroundings of nature, such as a roaring ocean, or a striking mountain range. When you do happen to take the time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, what do you think of the day that is swiftly coming to an end? Do you reminisce about the day and all the activity it has brought into your life? Or do you just dismiss the day, in contemplation of its ending beauty? Just be sure that you don't let the storm clouds of evil spoil the enjoyment of this, God's sunset. Much like the established religious groups did in scripture (John 8:13), Satan’s evil mindset will surely attempt to discourage your thinking. However, if we will stand true to the Gospel, we will see positive results. (John 8:30)
1. Reflecting at sunset is a great way to connect or reconnect with the Lord of Glory:
a. Thought: “In the biblical calendar perspective, the moment the sun goes down, the day is over. Whatever has happened that day now belongs to the past, to yesterday's happiness or sorrow, whichever the case may be. In other words, the moment the sun goes down, the day is over, the old day is over along with our past. As much as we would like to oftentimes, we cannot undo what was done… Whatever happened in our life now belongs to the past. The events of our old life now belong to yesterday. The mistakes of our lives, the problems, the sins we may have committed, along with the fears, the shames, and the guilt belong to that day which is no more.”
i. Thoughts about sunsets from https://www.newsforchristians.com/clser1/jefferson_003.html
b. Some other thoughts on sunsets by https://www.preachology.com/the-sunset-of-our-life.html#google_vignette:
i. Sunsets should compel us to:
ii. To surrender to God's timing (Psalm 65:8)
iii. To embrace the end of the day as a time of reflection and rest.
iv. To trust in God's faithfulness as the sun sets on our worries and fears.
v. To find peace in the twilight (Psalm 27:1)
vi. To seek refuge in God's presence as darkness falls.
vii. We should let go of the day's burdens and find solace in His light!
1. So - Why are sunsets so powerful?
a. Sunsets produce a red and orange light spectrum that can help regulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your body's internal clock. This can lead to a more restful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Watching the sunset can also boost your mood.
b. The following thoughts from https://www.bibleblender.com/2017/biblical-lessons/biblical-history/historical-sermons/the-meaning-of-the-sunset-charles-e-jefferson-1860-1937#google_vignette
2. Sunset reflections and prayer time can be life changing – “wow” or “Aha” moments with God!
a. As we explore Easter week, we understand that Jesus came into the world, He said He was the light of the world. (John 8:12) However, He came into a world of sin and darkness. And when He died for our sins on the cross of Calvary (This Good Friday), it was, in fact, the sunset of mankind. But when He rose on the third day, a new day dawned. A new sunrise appeared. We in Christendom label this chain of events the full gospel. (1 Cor 15:1-4)
i. Just like the dire events of the day is the sin in our lives. When we accept God's free grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), the old things pass away, behold all things become new. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person – a new creation. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Cor. 5:17) The old day is past history; the new day is here to stay.
ii. So, take in some sunsets!
c. Challenge this week: Here is my challenge for you this Easter week – be intentional take in some sunsets – mediate on the Scriptures and stories of Passion week- see the handout and encounter the glory of God and receive the joy that comes from meditating and praying in moments at the end of the day.
i. Do you need joy to look at the sunset with prayer and reflection!
T.S. – Taking time to reflect and pray at sunset will bring the awe of God back into your life – it will inspire you beyond the horizon. It will infuse you with joy and praise! By the way I know you are making excuses already like I am too busy! But let me ask you question are you too busy to experience a miracle?
3. You may be thinking: “I don’t have time to focus on sunsets!” But do you have time to experience a miracle? Or see a parable etched in the sky by God?
a. These are some reasons why you should pay more attention to sunsets this week and even this year:
i. We have been exploring the Bible this year and I highlighted some of Jesus miracles as told in the Gospels!
1. Here is a biblical truth - The sunset is a miracle!
a. Let’s look again at our scripture in Psalm 19:1-6: 1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat (or light).
2. Did you know sunsets and sunrises are miracles? The following thoughts and points from https://www.newsforchristians.com/clser1/jefferson_003.html:
a. The sunset is a miracle, according to the New Testament idea of a miracle.
b. Why do we have sunrises and sunsets? Thanks for asking this question!
i. The earth orbits the Sun at 67,000 miles per hour and at the same time as the earth is speeding around the Sun it is itself spinning on its axis at about 1,000 miles per hour.
1. It takes 365 days for the earth to circle the sun creating what we call a year.
2. The earth spins as result of gravity, magnetic poles and it takes 23 hours and 56 minutes to rotate on its axis creating the effect of day and night - so the earth’s rotation on its axis is completed in a day or in a 24-hour period.
3. Here is the miracle part of this information – no one knows how this whole system was set up because if the equations got out of balance, or shifted minutely then it would be catastrophic for the earth and its inhabitants!
a. Here are some more thoughts from https://www.newsforchristians.com/clser1/jefferson_003.html: The sunset is a mystery. Did you ever hear a scientist talk about the mechanism of a sunset? You can read all that up some time for yourselves. My sermons are not scientific lectures. They are not scientific expositions, but sermons, their inner purpose being the purpose of all true sermons the moving of the soul toward God. But if you should hear a physicist talk to you about the sunset, he would surprise you by his declarations. He would tell you that the sunset is made of a few gases, a multitude of drops of vapor, millions of particles of dust, and a handful of sunbeams. He would go on to assure you that the gorgeousness of the sunset is due to atmospheric dust. The earth is tied up in a dust-bag. An ocean of dust flows round our planet several miles deep. The dust particles nearer the earth are large and coarse. But as you ascend, they become smaller and smaller, until at last they become microscopic, and in the highest regions they are so small that no instrument can detect them. We know of their existence solely from the effects they produce. If it were not for this dust, the sky would not be blue, and the sun would not be golden. If it were not for the dust, the sunset would be short of its glory. Why is the sun more beautiful on the horizon than it is above our heads? It is because we see it through more air, and that means we see it through more dust; the more dust the greater scope for reflection and refraction, and the operations of all the other principles by which the potential glories of light are unfolded. The sunsets near great cities are usually red, and this is because of the dust. The red waves are longer and stronger than the yellow and orange rays, and much longer than the green and the blue, so that it is oftentimes only the red waves which shoulder their way through the dust-ocean and succeed in reaching the eye. Why are yonder clouds so gloriously white? It is because of the dust particles in it. They are reflecting the light. Why are its edges gorgeously crimson or purple? It is because of the dust particles which are refracting the light. What a mystery it is that a thing so resplendently beautiful should be made of vibrations, and dust-particles and the movements of vapor. By reflection and refraction, and radiation and absorption, every dust particle obeying one law, and every vibration obeying another law, and every air-current obeying still another law, this stupendous miracle comes to pass.
ii. Miracles are described in Scripture with 4 primary words (from Jefferson)
1. The first word is “Wonder” – miracles amazed and shocked people in the NT. So, miracles arouse wonder and amazement in God. So interestingly sunsets are a miracle because they arouse wonder in our mind, heart and soul.
a. Recall our opening scripture Psalm 65:8: (NASB) They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.
2. Paul tells us in Romans 1:20: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
a. Paul is saying that nature, sunsets and sunrises reveal the glory and testimony of God.
b. Scriptures repeatedly tells us that God himself is revealed in nature – and nature creates wonder and amazement – Why? Because it shows off His creativity and glory. For example:
i. God sustains animal and plant life according to:
1. Leviticus 26:4
2. Matthew 6:28-29
3. Job 38:25
4. Psalm 104:14-16
a. Note comparison: Jesus feed the multitudes supernaturally in the wilderness twice.
ii. God controls the weather and the seasons:
1. Psalm 135:7
a. Note comparison: Jesus himself controlled storms and walked on water!
3. The second word is “Sign.”
a. A miracle in scripture always points to something especially to God and His glory!
i. Sunsets do this according to Scripture because they point to something greater than the sunset itself!
1. Our thought this Easter something “Beyond the horizon.”
ii. Quote from Jefferson: “The sunset does that. It is a signboard painted on the flaming highway of the gorgeous west, pointing to God!”
1. Question do you need a sign from God – gaze upon a sunset!
4. The 3rd word is “Power:”
a. Jesus’ miracles all pointed to his power over demons, nature, disease, sin and the like.
b. A miracle is considered powerful because it is beyond the ability of mankind to produce. Why? Because they do not have the strength or knowledge to do this.
i. Jefferson states, “The sunset fulfills this idea. The sunset is a power, a display of power, running beyond the reach of human faculty. No man can make the sunset, no set of men can make it. Not all the men of all the earth, with all their talent and all their genius, and making use of all the apparatus and machinery which man's ingenuity has been able to produce, can create the vast and dazzling splendor of a western sky. The sunset is a power. A display of force running beyond the energy of mankind is a miracle.”
ii. Mankind cannot create or make a sunset – it’s a God act!
5. The 4th word is “Work.”
a. Jefferson notes: Sometimes the New Testament writers call the deeds of Jesus "signs," sometimes "signs and wonders," sometimes "signs and wonders and powers," and sometimes they con-tent themselves with the word " works." A miracle is a work a mighty work; and surely the sunset is a work, a mighty work. It Is something achieved, done, brought to pass. A sunset, then, fulfills every condition of a miracle.”
i. This thought ties back to our Scripture from Psalm 19:1-6 which we shared earlier – the sunset reveals the work of Creator God’s hands!
ii. Challenge: So why don’t you take time to behold a miracle everyday by taking time to look and take in the sunset!
b. The sunset is also a parable.
i. We have explored some of Jesus parables a few weeks ago – we need to understand a sunset is set in motion by God as Creator see Genesis 1-2 and it is as a parable or a verbal picture used to set forth a spiritual truth.
1. Sunsets reveal the creative power of God – no two sunsets are the same – ponder that thought for a moment!
ii. All our Jesus parables are pictures – we have talked about. The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Foolish Virgins, The Sower, they are pictures, hung in the gallery of the mind, not to be taken down forever?
1. Jefferson reiterates this thought: “Our Lord loved to speak in parables, and on some days, He spoke in no other way. He loves to speak in parables now. One of His favorite parables is the sunset. It is a picture, setting forth a spiritual truth. The fact which it proclaims is that God is a lover of beauty, God is fond of color, God is an artist. There is no parable recorded in the New Testament which makes that fact so vivid and impressive as the parable which God speaks daily in the sky of the west.
iii. Side note: It’s also interesting to note that at sunset many people brought people to Jesus for healing and deliverance – Jesus it seems from some NT scriptures loved doing miracles at sunset!
1. I believe he wants to do more miracles at sunset!
Conclusion:
Jefferson notes this about sunsets and spiritual growth:
The New Testament says that sometimes Jesus did His most wonderful cures at sunset. It was when the sun was hovering over the horizon, and the poetry of the dusk was stealing into the air, that the people carried out their sick ones and laid them at His feet. It was when the necromancy of the sunset was at its height, that streams of healing flowed from Him into the exhausted veins of men. Every evening, He takes His place on His throne in the west, and e'er the sun goes down we should bring out our weakened faith and shadowed hopes and wounded affections, and lay them at His feet, allowing the glory of the sinking sun to shine around about them, and give us health and strength again. The sunset is a revelation of God, a sign of His creativity, a point at his power and his beauty!
What do we need to know from this message?
Answer: We need to take time weekly to gaze upon a sunset in prayer and meditation. We need to understand that sunsets are a miracle – a daily miracle! Scripture tells us to take the time at the end of the day to view the sunset, to behold the beauty of the Creator and meditate on his “Goodness.” When we do we grow spiritually!
Why do they need to know this truth?
When we take time to behold God’s creation, he speaks to us and reveals himself to us. So, we need to take the time to reflect -meditate on God at the sunsets because in them there is seeing the glory of God – it’s a time to connect with the Lord – in those moments comes messages from God and healing power from God. In those reflective moments comes songs of joy instead of songs of pain and grief as we get a glimpse of God and Heaven which is just over the horizon. In those moments we get to see beyond the horizon.
What do we need to do?
Do gaze at sunsets a couple times a week. Be intentional about pondering and watching a sunset – maybe twice a week or so? Why because in these “Aha” moments you will see the works of God. You will hear Him speak to you through the beauty of His creation. We should use this time to connect and reconnect with the Lord because we really don’t know how many more sunsets we have left!
Why do they need to do this – reflect on sunsets?
Answer: Because in this moment we grow spiritually, in this intentional time of sunset watching, reflecting, praying and meditating God will speak to you. You will be encouraged by His majestic hand of Creation. Because in these moments He will send you songs of joy! He tells us he will speak to us!
What do you have to lose? Missing a beautiful moment in God’s creation?
