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Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/JEHOVAH_SHAMMAH_THE_LORD_IS_THERE.pdf
The sermon on "Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is There" highlights the profound reality of God's presence throughout creation, history, and in the lives of His people. This divine presence is illustrated through His heavenly reign, His faithful guidance of Israel, and the tragic consequences of its absence.
In heaven, God is eternally seated on His throne, a symbol of His ultimate authority and sovereignty. Revelation 4:2 portrays this unshakable reign, surrounded by angelic worship. However, not all beings honored this presence. Lucifer's rebellion, as described in Isaiah 14:12-15, serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s authority. His fall from heaven underscores the privilege and importance of standing in God’s presence. Those who remain faithful in heaven are eternally blessed, while rebellion leads to separation from Jehovah-Shammah.
God’s presence is not confined to heaven but actively engages with His people on Earth. During Israel's bondage in Egypt, God saw their affliction and promised deliverance (Exodus 3:7-8). As they journeyed through the wilderness toward the Promised Land, God faithfully accompanied them, guiding and protecting them despite their complaints and failures. Moses’s plea in Exodus 33:15 illustrates Israel's recognition of the indispensability of God’s presence. This faithfulness reminds us that Jehovah-Shammah remains with us, even when we falter.
However, the withdrawal of God's presence, symbolized by "Ichabod" in 1 Samuel 4:21-22, reflects the consequences of disobedience. When the Israelites misplaced their faith in the Ark of the Covenant as a talisman rather than in God Himself, they lost His presence and protection. Ichabod serves as a sobering reminder to cherish and uphold our relationship with God. His presence is not to be taken for granted, and living in disobedience risks creating a spiritual void, leaving us barren without His glory.
Ultimately, Jehovah-Shammah invites us to remain faithful, revere His presence, and walk in obedience to ensure that His glory abides with us.
