His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Introduction

All right. I will explain those as we go along tonight. It could have a lot of explanations, like if I get beyond this line, I’m no longer able to be seen on Facebook Live. I’ve been told by the guys upstairs that I tend to wander out of the picture. And so for those who might be tuning in, I’ll try to stay within the cones tonight, but I do get a little wild up here sometimes. And don’t get too comfortable in your seat tonight, because I’m going to be asking you to stand in just a moment and to engage you in this lesson this evening.

Psalm 3136 is an important retelling of history pertaining to the God of Gods. Some might look at Psalm 136 and say, What is all the repetition about? There’s that one phrase that keeps getting repeated over and over and over again. And so it might be a little hard to read.

But to actually more sing it or chant it like a song. And depending on your translation, the repeated phrase is different. The King James and the New King James, for his mercy endures forever. Of course, the King James says, endureth. For his loving kindness is everlasting. New American standard. His steadfast love endures forever. That’s the ESV. And I think I like that one the best, and thus it is the title of my lesson. But for the sake of our purposes this evening, because of what I’m about to have you do, we are going to go with the NIV rendering, his love endures forever. The NIV actually arranges this psalm in at least some of the formats I’ve seen, the one that I have on my tablet, for instance, arranges this song in a format that gives us the sense of how Israel sang or spoke this psalm.

I want you to picture a great multitude gathered into a courtyard, and they are standing there as the priest speaks the first line of this psalm. And then in unison, everyone in the courtyard repeats, his love endures forever. Guess what your job is tonight? You are going to stand in the courtyard, as Israel did, and you are all going to say in unison, his love endures forever. So you have four words, don’t mess it up. It’s like I tell the husband, the father rather, of the bride on the wedding day, you have four words, don’t mess it up. Her mother and I. Who gives this woman away? It’s not very hard, but guys tend to mess it up. So you have four words that I would like you to repeat as we read together Psalm 136, and then I make some observations about what we’ve done and about the Psalm itself.

So I’m going to ask everybody, since I told you not to get comfortable for all of you to stand. I said something to you this morning about being a participant, right? I want everybody to be a participant, and I’m looking for something along the lines of the same cadence I use to read the first line. And so one of you guys toward the front, his love endures forever. Okay? And then everybody chime in and try to get together on this. We’re not as good at this as Israel was. Okay, so here we go. Verse 1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Love endures forever. Nice going. You’ve got it. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords.

His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders. His love endures forever. Who by his understanding made the heavens? His love endures forever. Who spread out the earth upon the waters? His love endures forever. Who made the great lights?

The sun to govern the day.

The moon and stars to govern the night.

To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt.

And brought Israel out from among them.

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm.

To him who divided the Red Sea asunder.

And brought Israel through the midst of it.

But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.

To him who led his people through the wilderness.

To him who struck down great kings.

Sihon, king of the Amorites.

And Ak, king of Bashad, Islam endureth forever. And gave their land as an inheritance.

An inheritance to his servant Israel.

And freed us from our enemies.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.

Now that you’re worn out, you can be seated. And thank you for the amen.

1. Let the Women Keep Silent: Speak Equals Lead

You have stood tonight in reverence and respect for the God of heaven and repeated that phrase as Israel must have done many times. Thank you for participating and being willing to do that for me tonight. We did something that’s a little unusual beyond just standing and repeating a phrase 26 times. And you were probably okay with it, though. It’s not our norm. The women verbally participated in our assembly in the part where the preacher was standing in the pulpit. Did you do the right thing? Should you have participated, ladies, in that way? You know, it’s almost like it’s an unwritten rule that women are not permitted to utter a word once the assembly starts. I’ve known of some women who were uncomfortable to raise their hand with an announcement before the final prayer.

They might do so afterwards. I know of some places where even public confession is not allowed from a woman in the midst of an assembly. They’ve actually taken her outside the building, taken her confession, and come back in and baptized her into Christ. How do people come up with those kinds of ideas? Is there anything wrong, ladies, with what you did tonight or that I encourage you to do? I would be equally culpable for encouraging you to do it. Obviously, I don’t believe you violated any passage of Scripture by so doing. Perhaps for some of you, have you ever uttered a word other than singing during an assembly? So what we did might have sort of been a first for you in some way.

Well, it comes from 1 Corinthians chapter 14, verses 34 and 35. Interestingly enough, the high school students wanted me to explain these couple of verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. And so I thought about revisiting that and making some observations just so you understand, at least the way I understand, these verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Let the women keep silent in the churches. And so, whoa, wait a minute. Did we just violate what Paul said? For they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the law also says. And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Interesting. Is it just not relevant to 21st century assemblies and the worship that we do?

Is there some reason why we’re setting this aside, setting it aside tonight as the women spoke in our assembly? Or is there something in the context of 1 Corinthians 14 that would suggest that what we did not violate these passages? Careful text analysis suggests that what Paul is doing in these verses is simply enjoining male leadership in assemblies in the first century and in the 21st century.

It is not, do not utter a word whatsoever.

Okay, now wait a minute. It said, if you ask a question, ask your husband at home. But he thought it would be okay if she whispered something to him during this. I said, Well, what if she accidentally whispered too loud? And somebody in the pew in front actually heard her speak a word in the assembly. Is that what this text saying? If you look at 1 Corinthians chapter 14, several are told to keep silent in this assembly where spiritual gifts are being exercised. Look at verse 26 of 1 Corinthians 14, if you’re there. When you assemble, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation. Oh, we’re talking about the expression of miraculous power from the Holy Spirit. And he says, now, I want all things to be done in an upbuilding way for edification.

And then he says, 27, if anyone speaks, oh, there’s the word speak, underline it. I have all the words, every time speak is mentioned, I have an underline. If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two, or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret. Okay, so we have those who are speaking in a tongue one at a time. Interpretation following. We’re not talking about ordinary speaking. Talking about divine utterance. Women had these gifts as well. Philip’s four virgin daughters prophesied. Acts 21 and verse 8. But if there is no interpreter, keep silent, it says in verse 28. Keep silent in the church. Let him keep silent in the church. Well, wait a minute. So it’s not a woman that he’s talking about anyway.

He’s enjoining male leadership. He says, let him, wait a minute, he can’t utter a word. If there’s no interpreter, he’s not allowed to speak a word in this assembly. Is that what this is saying? No word whatsoever, or simply not lead or address the assembly. And let two or three prophets speak and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, okay, so one is already gone, and a revelation is made to another who is seated. And boy, I really would love to be in assembly where that was going on. Wouldn’t that be neat? One guy is speaking, another guy gets a revelation. And so the first guy sits down and be gets quiet, and the second guy, okay, the first guy, it says, Let the first keep silent while the second speaks.

Again, it’s not enjoining on him absolute silence for the whole assembly, but no longer leading the assembly. He’s done. Let him keep silent. In other words, you’re done. Zip it, let next guy go. And so let all of this be done for edification. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. It’s not like, oh, I’ve got a revelation, therefore I’ve got an urgency gotta go right now, even though Ross has got a revelation. He’s going right there over there, and we’ve got Ted going over here with speaking in tongues, and we’re all going at the same time. What’s the problem with that? Who do we listen to? Can’t understand what’s going on. We got Daniel going on here, and Ted going on here, and Ross going on here, and Tony’s always going on up here.

And there’s chaos and confusion. God is not a God of confusion, but a peace. Then he says, Let the women keep silent in the churches. He is not talking about women not being allowed to utter a word whatsoever. He’s saying, women, though they had and possessed these gifts, are not allowed to exercise them or to lead in the assembly. Speak equals lead. In 1 Corinthians chapter 14. But they are to subject themselves. That is, they are to recognize the role that God has given them and let males lead. And if they desire to learn anything, okay, learn anything. Is it saying you can’t learn anything unless you first go home and ask your husband? There’s something about perhaps interpretation or the nature of these gifts where there’s some inquiry that is made of or passing judgment.

What was that about? Perhaps questions would be raised about what was uttered in an assembly, and he said, in the assembly is not the time to get all of that figured out. Ask your husband at home. And again, there’s a nuance there. What about a widow who doesn’t have a husband at home? But a woman is not permitted to speak in church. In other words, she might have a question. She might want to address the assembly with this question, but she is not allowed to lead in this assembly. So one thing that we see in this text is that God’s roles for men and women are different. And that’s not demeaning at all. And I would be the first to acknowledge that it has nothing to do with intelligence.

Oh, the reason why men are leading is because they’re smarter than women. You have very limited life experience. If you think that. It’s not about intelligence. It’s not about Bible knowledge. There are a lot of women in local churches who know their Bibles as well or better than the men. They spend more time in the Word. And it’s not even about ability. Could a woman do a bang up job as a public proclaimer of truth? I’m pretty sure there’s some women who can preach circles around me in terms of talent and ability. You think, yeah, with your talent and ability, I can see why. But it’s not about any of those things. It’s not about Adam being smarter than Eve. It is about roles that God established for men and women.

And he mentions that in 1 Timothy chapter 2, which, oh, by the way, does not suggest that women cannot teach, but that they cannot teach over a man. It is this idea of leadership and authority that’s in view in 1 Timothy chapter 2 and also in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. It is not about any of those things. Now, if you’re going to press, 1 Corinthians 14, verse 34. Not permitted to speak. Women are not allowed to utter a word in an assembly. Well, first of all, you’re going to have to define assembly. And that’s always been a sticking point with some. I sort of actually changed my view on that, but I’m not going to go into that now. I think when we come together at appointed times, we’re assembling as God’s people.

The church is coming together as a church. We may separate into Bible classes, but it’s still the church. That’s just me. What is that lil? If all lilyo is prohibited, no singing. Well, that Ephesians 5 19 passage that says speak to one another in songsalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and we did that before the lesson. It’s the same Greek word. Speak to one another. The exact same Greek word found all over the New Testament. It’s the same word that’s found in 1 Corinthians 14 that says women are not permitted to speak in church. So if you’re going to literalize 1 Corinthians 14 and say, women cannot utter a word in the assemblies, then we’re going to have to refrain from singing too. Because she is enjoyed in the singing to one another in Ephesians chapter 5 and verse 19.

2. Reactions and Interactions During the Assembly

Okay, that’s enough of that. The second observation that I want to make is about reactions and interactions during the assembly. I asked the question this morning is what we do, does it appear too emotionless and sterile? And I think sometimes it does. I think we need to give some thought to that. What does it mean in terms of expedient things that we can do to display just how fervent we are in our devotion to God? I think we need to give some thought to that. But I think one thing we can do is things like we did tonight. We can do something different than we normally do. And we can react and interact during things that happen in our assembly. That’s one of the reasons why I’m always engaging.

Usually it’s guys, it was Joanne this morning. I’m and Ross and Ted and Daniel, whoever, Sean. I never say Thad. Never mention John. But I can just go around the room and engage Aaron, DeWitt, whoever. And I try to, some people say, don’t you dare mention my name in the pulpit. And that’s why Hattie’s not here. She’s probably listening, but I’m not supposed to mention her name. Hi, Hattie. We love you. We need to be engaged in the worship together. And what about when a soul is brought into union with the Lord? Have you ever been there when someone is baptized during an assembly? Yeah, we need that more often. It’s okay. You can be baptized at any time of the night or day. Carissa was baptized in a pool at about 9 o’clock on Sunday night a couple weeks ago.

And that’s fine. That’s great. But isn’t it wonderful when it happens during an assembly? And we all get to rejoice and see this wonderful thing, one of the most wonderful things in all the world. Someone’s sins being cleansed and coming into union with the Lord. And then the awkward silence that follows. It begs for something, doesn’t it? And a lot of this generation have answered that question. Yes. Yes. It asked for something. When someone is being baptized. It’s such a momentous, awesome moment. Heaven’s attention is on this. There’s rejoicing in the presence of the angels of heaven when one sinner repents. And so, yes, it’s for a response. And so we clap.

Well, that’s what’s been happening in recent times. And so there’s a big debate whether there should be clapping. And I’m going to tell you, if people want to clap, they’re going to clap. And I’m not here to tell you tonight not to clap. I just personally think there is a better response. I clap when my team does well on a basketball court because I approve. I clapping is approval. You did well. Yes, I like that. And that’s okay. And we’re we’re somewhat doing that when someone is baptized into Christ, especially if it’s one of our children, one of our young people who has come of age and is putting on the Lord. And so we clap. We’re excited. We’re happy for them. But I’ve suggested to you, and I’ll suggest to you again that one’s union with Christ and being brought to the Lord is really more about what God has done and what God is doing.

And how without Him we would be nothing and lost. He is the one who’s redeeming us, who is bringing us out of the pit and mire of our sin. And so if we’re clapping first and foremost, it ought to be clapping to God. Praising Him for what He has done. Later, if we want to rejoice and clap and dance or whatever with our children when they obeyed the gospel, okay. But I’m wondering if we ought to first and foremost acknowledge God.

Praise the Lord. Amen. Thank God. Well, I don’t know what this reaction that I’m talking about is going to be the next time someone is baptized during the assembly. Some of you are still going to clap because you think that’s the right response. I’m going to say, praise the Lord. In fact, I’m going to start saying, praise the Lord when I baptize someone loudly. If you want to say amen, which has been done in the past, because again, the event was begging for something. If you want to say thank God, or if we hear all four, let’s at least respond to the awesome thing that is taking place. This is not a time for silence. Or break forth in song or all of the above. But let’s show others, perhaps a visitor in our assembly, how important this event is.

3. Sihon and Og: The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Get engaged. Number three. Did you notice the references to Sihon and Og? That’s a little puzzling. The kings that God defeated. Sihon and Og. First mentioned in Numbers 21. Sihon of the Amorites, Og, king of Basha. Recounted in the covenant of Deuteronomy chapter 3, when Moses is instructing the new generation, reminding them of the victories that God has brought about in the past, and more details are provided. Do you realize that Og, King of Bashan, is mentioned more times in the Bible than Goliath. 22 to 6. It’s not even close. Now, that doesn’t mean that the story of Og is more significant than the story of David defeating Goliath. But there is a lot of attention given to it, probably because of the time frame in which it occurred and because the conquest of the land that flows with milk and honey, that land was being provided as a gift of God and the fulfillment of his promise, and God is demonstrating his power and his victory over these mighty kings of the day.

Perhaps there’s a reason why it appears more. But the reason why I made the comparison to Goliath has to do with the blue cones that you were wondering if I was ever going to get to. It has nothing to do with being on Facebook Live in the area I have to stay in.

He was a giant of a man, a frightening figure like Goliath, but maybe even more so. These cones represent, if my calculations are correct, the size of his bed. Now that’s a big man who needs a bed that big. It’s the original king-sized bed. You knew I was going there. None of us need a bed this big. We can sleep six in this thing. We can sleep a couple families in here. You know why I put these cones out here? This was a giant man. And God said, don’t you fear him. And they killed him. Killed all of his sons. The battle belongs to the Lord. If the Lord is with you can conquer every obstacle that stands in your way. Even Oc, King of Basha.

4. God Cares About the Nobodies

We’re but grasshoppers. They had said a generation ago. They’re giants and lands. We’re grasshoppers. It doesn’t matter how big the people are, it doesn’t matter how big the walls are. Our God is greater by far than any opposition we’ll face. That’s what Paul is saying in Romans chapter 8. The final. Oh, there it is. Forgot to put that on the slides. The final point that I want to make is about the very last verse of the Psalm. And that is that God cares about the nobodies. He remembered us in our lowest state. That’s so true. When we come to the Lord, it is about, as we talked about union with Christ. He remembers us in our lowest state. When we’re undone in our sins, when we have chosen foolishly, and when we’ve even wandered away in momentary sinfulness.

He remembers us in our lowest state. And if we will come to him, he will revive us, because he is a God who revives the lowly. For thus says the high and exalted one who lives forever, whose name is holy. I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit. In order to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry. For the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of those whom I have made, because of the iniquity and his unjust gain, I was angry and struck him. I hid my face and was angry. And he went on turning away in the way of his heart.

We’ve been there. We’ve done that. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him.

Conclusion

Peace. Peace to him who is far and to him who is near, says the Lord. And I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea, where it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. There is no peace, says my God for the wicked. Last thought. God wants to exalt us. He not only revives the spirit of the lowly and cares about the nobodies and remembers us in our lowest state. But if we will come to him, submitt our hearts, and let him revive our spirits, creating in us the praise from our lips.

High, far above what we can even imagine. There isn’t anybody on earth who can do for you what God can.

You’re expendable here. We’re living for something that never fades away. Reserved in heaven for you. And it will be exaltation. It will be jubilation. Like you cannot begin to fathom. Engage your heart. Submit to the king. Let’s stand and sing.