"Early Signs Of Spiritual Shock And Numbness" Series

8 April 2007

EARLY RISE RESURRECTION SERVICE

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

Fort Ord Chapel

Seaside, California

BIG IDEA: Many believers, who look good and strong, outwardly, are really in shock-spiritually, and just a TURN-AROUND away from receiving instructions from THE LORD TO GO AND DO MINISTRY. .

References: John 20:16a-17b – KJV (She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren,…); Luke 7:44 NIV (Then, turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair).; Isaiah 65:17-25; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; John 20:1-18; Isaiah 6:1 RSV (In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple); Isaiah 6:8-9 (ESV) (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." 9 And he said, " Go, and say to this people:;

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: John 20:9-18 (RSV)

II. READ THE PERICOPE: John 20:9-18 (RSV)

III. READ THE TEXT: John 20:16b-17a (KJV) She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren,…

IV. PURPOSE: Motivate the hearers to affirm to others that Resurrection Sunday 2007 find many believers looking good and strong, outwardly, when inwardly they are in shock-spiritually, and just a TURN-AROUND away from receiving instructions from THE LORD TO GO AND DO MINISTRY.

V. INTRODUCTION:

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY TO ALL.

YOU ALL LOOK GOOD AND STRONG! Beautiful dresses, suits, hats, and ties. You all look good and strong!

However, I submit to you this morning that there are many believers, in our midst, that look good and strong outwardly, but inwardly they are in SPIRITUAL-SHOCK!

For they have either just loss a significant other; or their marriage is in trouble and their children are wayward. Inwardly, they are in SPIRITUAL-SHOCK.

Perhaps, some that are here this morning are about to experience for the FIRST TIME “the empty-ness syndrome” – outwardly, they look good and strong; but inwardly they are in SPIRITUAL-SHOCK!

Yet, in spite of their PERSONAL CRISIS, and in spite of their current loss or projected loss – THEY ARE JUST A TURN-AROUND away from RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS to GO … AND DO MINISTRY!

For you see, although we are wounded … The LORD wants us to do ministry … out of our pain.

***************TAKE 5 BEATS**********

MOVE 1: Now, you may find it interesting to learn that in my reading, and sermon preparation, I came across a story entitled, “The Dying Preacher”.

a. According to the story, an old preacher was dying. He sent a message for his banker and his lawyer, both church members, to come to his home.

b. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room, the preacher held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed. The preacher grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the ceiling. For a time, no one said anything.

c. Both the banker and lawyer were touched and flattered that the preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled; the preacher had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them. They both remembered his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness, and rapacious behavior that made them squirm in their seats.

d. Finally, the banker said, "Preacher, why did you ask us to come?"

e. The old preacher mustered up his strength and then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that’s how I want to go."

********************TAKE 5 BEATS********************

MOVE 2: STORIES ABOUT DEATH AND DYING ISN’T ALWAYS FUNNY.

a. Because, as a result of death, we often find ourselves in the midst of grief and weeping.

b. Ironically, the Hebrew word for “weep” or “weeping” is nearly always bakah, and the Greek word is klaio.

c. Both words express STRONG EMOTIONS, AND GREAT DISTRESS…

d. … WHICH is especially true … when a death is involved …

e. In other words – lots of powerful emotions are associated with death …. AND losing a significant other.

********************TAKE 5 BEATS***************

MOVE 3: For who can ever forget the Word of God in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 65:17-19) where God promises the creation of A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH.