Title: Refuge From The Storm
Bible Book: Hebrews 4 : 14-16
Author: William R. Shively
Subject: Funeral; Refuge; Trouble; Hardship; Death; Comfort
Objective:
Introduction
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1) I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Ps. 91:2) Who do we turn too in times of trials? Where can we fine help? When Jesus walked on this earth, He saw and felt the pain, sorrow, and brokenness of people. He also felt those same feelings Himself. It is comforting to know that He understands our hurts and He is faithful to see us through difficult times.
I. CONFESSION
A. PERSON OF CHRIST. (Jesus, the Son of God)
B. PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST. (Great High Priest)
C. POSITION OF CHRIST. (Seated in heaven)
II. COMPASSION
A. HIS IDENTIFICATION WITH US. (v. 15)
B. HIS INVITATION TO US. (v. 16a)
“Draw night to God, and he will draw night to you.” (James 4:8)
DOES JESUS CARE
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Oh yes, He cares—I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God
A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.
III. CONFIDENCE
A. SHARING OF OUR BURDENS.
Boldly means the "freedom of speech."
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7)
B. SUFFICIENCY OF HIS GRACE.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. The Lord is a God of comfort.
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
2. We must hold fast to the Lord, knowing He is faithful to give grace.
Booth Tucker was conducting evangelistic meetings in the great Salvation Army Citadel in Chicago. One night, after he had preached on the sympathy of Jesus, a man came forward and asked Mr. Tucker how he could talk about a loving, understanding, sympathetic God. "If your wife had just died, like mine has," the man said, "and your babies were crying for their mother who would never come back, you wouldn't be saying what you're saying."
A few days later Mr. Tucker's wife was killed in a train wreck. Her body was brought to Chicago and carried to the Citadel for the funeral. After the service the bereaved preacher looked down into the silent face of his wife and then turned to those who were attending. "The other day when I was here," he said, "a man told me that, if my wife had just died and my children were crying for their mother, I would not be able to say that Christ was understanding and sympathetic, or that He was sufficient for every need. If that man is here, I want to tell him that Christ is sufficient. My heart is broken, it is crushed, but it has a song, and Christ put it there. I want to tell that man that Jesus Christ speaks comfort to me today." The man was there, and he came and knelt beside the casket while Booth Tucker introduced him to Jesus Christ.
