Tsur "The Rock" Series

Purpose: To extol God as our Rock.

Aim: I want the listener to admire God's power and stability.

INTRODUCTION: Water is a common substance that we give very little though to. Our homes are connected to the city's water supply so any time we need water to drink, or water to wash something, or water for our pets or plants all we have to do is turn a knob and we have all the water we need.

Water becomes much more important, though, when it is hard to get. Without water things get dirty, we get very uncomfortable, and we could even die. In today's text Moses is giving his final instructions to the Jewish nation. He is 120 years old and is about to die. For the last 40 years the Jewish nation has lived in a desert area. Water was always precious. It has always been very important to them.

So, Moses uses the importance of fresh water in a dry land to illustrate the refreshment that he wanted his words to be to the people of Israel.

Every time I prepare a sermon I am hoping that the words that I speak will bring refreshment to those who hear me. I know that this world has nothing that will satisfy the dryness that we feel deep down inside.

Just as we need a constant supply of water to keep us healthy, we also need a constant supply of God's Word to keep us satisfied. I want to bring some satisfying refreshment to our dry and parched souls today, but we all need to learn how we can bring that refreshment to each other. Romans 15:31--32 ...that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. (NAU)

►Vs.1-2 I. How Can We Be Used to Refresh Others?

Vs.1a A. Ask for God's help "let me speak"

I believe that Moses is asking God, who lives in the heavens, for His help. Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. (NAU)

In order to be a blessing to others we need God's help.

► Vs.1b-2 B. Ask God to open hearts "let the earth hear"

When Paul began sharing the Gospel in Ephesus two things needed to happen. Paul needed to share God's Word and God needed to open someone's heart. Acts 16:14 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. (NAU)

Lamentations 3:37 Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it? (NAU)

►Vs.3-4 II. What Brings Refreshment to Others?

► Vs.3 A. Talking about the greatness of God "I proclaim the name of the LORD"

Moses makes it clear that he is proclaiming God's name, in other words, he is teaching them what God is like. Then he instructs us to "ascribe greatness to our God" or to talk about how great God is.

Psalm 22:22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. (NAU)

Isaiah 12:4 And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted." (NAU)

We must resist the temptation to think of God in human terms. God is much greater than us. Psalm 61:1--4 Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. (NAU)

God is not only much greater than we are, He cannot even be compared to us. 1 Samuel 2:2 "There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God. (NAU)

Later in this chapter Moses explains that only THE Rock can consistently do the impossible. Deuteronomy 32:30--31 "How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had given them up? "Indeed their rock is not like our Rock, Even our enemies themselves judge this. (NAU)

► Vs.4 B. Knowing that God is The Rock "The Rock"

All you have to do is mention the name Prudential and a picture of the rock of Gibraltar comes to mind. Their advertising goal is to get us to believe that their company is as solid, stable and unchangeable as the rock of Gibraltar. Actually that rock accurately illustrates what the Bible word for rock means.