Although the Lord Was There
Resting in the Unseen Security of God's Abiding Covenant Presence
Sermon Summary
This sermon addresses the human tendency to feel defenseless in seasons of trial while adversaries gloat over our hardship. Through Ezekiel 35, we learn that God actively defends His covenant community against persistent hostility and arrogant territorial claims. The passage teaches that human opponents fail to recognize God's abiding presence among His people. Believers are called to relinquish bitterness, rest in Christ's unshakeable presence, and walk in confident obedience.
Introduction
There are moments in life when difficulty strips away our visible defenses. During such seasons, observers or opponents may conclude that we are finished, vulnerable, and easy prey. In the ancient world, when Jerusalem fell to Babylon, the neighboring nation of Edom looked at the ruined cities of Israel and saw a prime opportunity for territorial expansion. They assumed that because Israel was under divine discipline, the land was entirely abandoned and up for grabs. However, Edom made a catastrophic miscalculation. They saw ruined walls and scattered people, but they failed to recognize the most crucial reality of all: the Lord was still there. Today, many believers face spiritual, financial, or personal seasons where adversaries mock or circumstances look bleak. Yet God's Word comes to assure us that our security does not depend on earthly walls, but on the abiding presence of the Sovereign Lord who never leaves His heritage.
Main Scripture
Ezekiel 35:10
‘“ Because you have said, ‘ These two nations and these two countries will be mine, and we will possess it, ’ although the LORD was there,
Ezekiel 35:10 serves as the theological hinge of this entire judgment oracle against Mount Seir. Edom boasted that it would annex both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. They viewed God's chastisement of His people as a chance for opportunistic gain. The phrase 'although the LORD was there' exposes Edom's spiritual blindness. Yahweh had disciplined His people, but He had neither abdicated His sovereign ownership of the land nor abandoned His covenant promise. Thus, Edom's attack on Israel was a direct assault on the presence and honor of God Himself.
Main Sermon Points
1. Recognize the Fatal Blindness of Human Pride
and tell it, ‘ The Lord GOD says: “ Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you. I will make you a desolation and an astonishment. I will lay your cities waste, and you will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
God directly confronts Mount Seir, exposing the deceptive nature of human arrogance and geographical security.
Edom relied on its formidable mountain fortresses, assuming its elevation rendered it invincible. Arrogance blinds people to their accountability before God, leading them to disregard His sovereign authority over international history.
A believer must actively guard against self-reliance and spiritual pride. We should examine our hearts to ensure we are not placing confidence in physical securities, titles, or temporal advantages rather than humbling ourselves before the Lord.
Quick Insights
- Human pride fails to perceive the invisible presence of God.
- Physical fortresses offer zero protection against divine judgment.
- Arrogance transforms temporary advantages into ultimate ruin.
2. Surrender Ancient Hostility and Unforgiveness
‘“ Because you have had a perpetual hostility, and have given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end, therefore, as I live, ” says the Lord GOD, “ I will prepare you for blood, and blood will pursue you. Since you have not hated blood, therefore blood will pursue you.
God highlights Edom's deep-seated hatred, showing that lingering grudges lead to divine retribution under God's righteous moral order.
Jesus commands believers to prioritize reconciliation with others before presenting worship to God, reinforcing the necessity of relinquishing hostility.
Edom's perpetual hostility traced back centuries to Esau's resentment toward Jacob. Instead of acting with brotherly compassion during Israel's tragedy, Edom exploited their distress, demonstrating how unaddressed bitterness corrodes moral integrity.
Believers must actively forgive past wounds and root out harbored resentment. Whether dealing with family disputes, church friction, or community conflicts, we are called to break generational grudges through Gospel reconciliation.
Quick Insights
- Harboring long-term bitterness ultimately destroys the person who carries it.
- Exploiting another person's calamity invites divine discipline.
- Gospel grace empowers believers to end cycles of hostility.
3. Rest in the Power of God's Presence
‘“ Because you have said, ‘ These two nations and these two countries will be mine, and we will possess it, ’ although the LORD was there,
The core truth of the chapter reveals that despite visible devastation, God's abiding presence guarantees the protection and future of His people.
The presence of God was the decisive factor that Edom overlooked. Circumstances may make God's people look defeated, but God's covenant presence secures their ultimate victory and defense.
When facing spiritual warfare, opposition, or severe hardship, anchor your faith in the unseen presence of Christ. Do not measure God's care by temporary circumstances, but by His faithful promises.
Quick Insights
- External circumstances never negate the reality of God's presence.
- Adversaries see visible weakness, but faith recognizes God's defense.
- Christ abides with His people through every dark valley.
Bottom Line
Even when trial makes us appear vulnerable to the world, God's abiding covenant presence surrounds His people and guarantees our ultimate protection and restoration.
Memorable Quote
The enemy sees your seasonal vulnerability, but God sees His eternal presence over your life.
Theological Point
The doctrine of divine omnipresence and covenant faithfulness establishes that God never leaves His redeemed people without His protection, making any assault on them an offense against God Himself.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for a deeper spiritual awareness of God's constant presence in times of trouble.
- Ask God to cleanse our hearts of all lingering bitterness, grudges, and unforgiveness.
- Thank God for His unshakeable covenant protection over our families and church community.
- Seek God's help to stand as compassionate neighbors when others around us face trials.
Responding to God’s Word
Returning to our message title, Although the Lord Was There, we are reminded that our ultimate defense is never found in human strength or circumstances, but in the living God. Edom looked at a devastated Israel and saw opportunity for greed, completely unaware that Yahweh was still present. In Jesus Christ, this truth reaches its glorious fulfillment. Jesus came as Immanuel, meaning 'God with us.' Through His death on the cross and His victorious resurrection, Christ secured our permanent redemption. He promised His followers, 'I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' If you are facing spiritual opposition, hardship, or bitter attacks today, remember that the Lord is with you. Surrender every heart bitterness, repent of self-reliance, and trust in the Savior who defends and restores His people.
