Sermon Snippet – Dove Doxology
INTRODUCTION – In the past weeks, we have learned Biblical lessons from the sparrow, the deer, the eagle, and the ant. Today, let us soar “on the wings of a snow white dove” to learn more about our Savior God.
1. WE KNOW TROUBLE
The Psalmist Asaph prays, “O deliver not the soul of Thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of Thy poor for ever” (Psalm 74:19). We are beset by troubles that afflict “the soul” – who we are as Christians. I think of our friends in India, driven by an oppressive Hindu government from their homes. I think also of the sneering marginalization of Christians by so many of the leftist political elites in our own free land. It is tempting to withdraw from this wicked world of woe: “And I said, ‘Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest’” (Psalm 55:6). However, we are not called to hide from this world but rather to be a light in its darkness: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a) – because Jesus is first “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). As a practical matter, flying from our problems does us no good, for they can fly as fast as we can.
2. WE KNOW MOURNING
Isaiah 38:14-17 records the words of King Hezekiah (part of a larger section – see verses 9-22). Verse 14 includes this memorable line: “I did mourn as a dove.” We “mourn” over many things, including the deaths of dear ones. Much of life, especially as we grow older, is like the words of an old country song: “Weeping like a willow, and mourning like a dove.” I like honest lyrics, songs with no guile. Even more do I love the honesty of Scripture.
3. WE KNOW GOD
Because God has made Himself known, we can draw near to Him. Jeremiah 48:28 gives this kind command: “O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole’s mouth.” There is no promise here of a cessation of problems. Rather, we are assured that there is haven for us even now, “a place of quiet rest.” Like the Apostle Paul, we are buffeted but not broken (II Corinthians 4:8-10). We are nestled not only in a rock but in the Rock.
CONCLUSION – The sacrifice of doves at the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, reminds us of our Lord’s earthly poverty and of His sacrificial death on the Cross (Luke 2:24, 35). Each one of us needs a personal, saving trust in the Savior. Then, we can meet the good goal of Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” We also will be ready to “fly away” when it is time: “Yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold” (Psalm 68:13b). Lord, help us as we “wait for that great gittin’ up morning – Amen.”