Title: The Rock Becomes a Nail
Contents Psalm 114 is a poem in which the poet recalls a blessed and glorious past and seeks comfort. Dear saint! The God of creation is also the God of salvation. God's power over nature is marvelous and marvelous. Even more marvelous and amazing is the saving power of God. In the case of Israel, this power was evident in the Exodus event. Therefore, this historical event is very significant and symbolic for the nation of Israel. The poet proclaims God the Ruler of nature and the Redeemer of his people.
First, the poet recalls Israel's exodus from Egypt (Psalm 114:1).
What was the purpose of delivering the people from Egypt? It is to make Israel God's people, and to show God's glory and power in them (Psalm 114:2). The poet poetically expresses the Red Sea and the Jordan River (Psalm 114:3). This psalm is one of the most beautiful poems in the history of early Israel. A lively and vivid description (Psalm 114:5,6) characterizes this psalm. The poet's eyes see the natural world trembling with fear (Psalm 114:7).
Second, the poet introduces a God who works miracles (Psalm 114:8).
Even now, God still works miracles for the church. A miracle is God's supernatural intervention. God the Creator is still alive and is present in the church and testifies of His glory and power. God can turn the Rock into a Pool (Psalm 114:8). ??Chardol?? refers to hard rock, and seems to be an ancient name for basalt. God made hard rock into a spring of water.
Dear saint! The God of the natural world also rules the spirit world. God's sovereign power can make all creation tremble. His power is also the power of salvation. Perhaps in despair the poet recalls the glories of the past. Through this, he seeks consolation. Sometimes the saints face times of spiritual stagnation. In such a case, it is beneficial to look back and remember the day of salvation when he experienced the power of God. Therefore, let's not forget the grace we received for the first time today and give thanks. -Amen-
Example / Qualifications of a missionary
The qualifications of a missionary are summarized in six points.
First, he is a person of vocation.
Isaiah 6:8 “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me.”
Second, he is a person of experience.
In 1 John 1:1, it is said, ??As for the word of life from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands.
Third, he is a man of authority.
Exodus 34:30 says, “When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, they saw a radiance on the upper eyelid of Moses' face, and they were afraid to approach him. In other words, missionaries must have the authority of physical strength, intellect, virtue, and spiritual power.
Fourth, those who have acquired anthropology and missiology.
Cultural anthropology teaches effective communication methods for evangelical missions by studying the forms, cultures, behaviors, habits, and languages of human life on earth. It is also because missiology is to seek out mission strategies for effective command in the field of missions.
Fifth, it is the person who has acquired the language of the missionary.
In Acts 22:2, it is said, “When they heard that they were speaking in that Hebrew tongue, they became more silent.” The reason Paul became a great missionary of his day was because he could freely speak both Jewish and Greek.
Sixth, he is a person who is prepared for martyrdom (Acts 21:13).
A missionary needs to be prepared to die there and be buried there. If so... ?
(Find your own / Lim Dong-seon)