Katrina
Preached on September 4th, 2005 at 11:00AM by Bishop Brian Greene - 01:06:42
Listen to the sermon: Katrina
by Bishop Brian C. Greene
1 Samuel 7:1-9; Leviticus 19:1-4
During the time of the setting of this text, the nation of Israel found itself in a condition of spiritual decline. It was to the point where it had been twenty years since the people felt any dynamic sense of God’s presence. Because they decided to serve idols (anything valued more to a person than God), God simply decided to withdraw Himself from them. He wants first place in our lives. The results of God withdrawing His presence are reflected in spiritual dryness, constant defeat, and a continuaal decline in the quality of life.
The prophet Samuel realized the only way to draw the presence of God back to His people was to offer to God the sacrifice of a burnt offering as God daily required of His people (Leviticus 1:9,13, 17). The term “burnt offering” is from a Hebrew word which means “ascending,” as in “smoke.” This name is derived from the fact that the offering (animal) itself was to be wholly consumed by fire and thus rise up in smoke toward Heaven. The smoke would result in a fragrance that pleased God and thus would attract His presence. It was considered a sweet perfume odor unto God.
Unger’s Bible Dictionary informs us that “The Burnt offering symbolized the entire surrender to God by an individual or the congregation. God’s acceptance thereof had a view to the renewal and sanctification of the entire person and their consecration (Holiness) to a course of a life pleasing to God.”
When a thing is declared “holy” that means it is sacred. Sacred is defined as “that which is set apart for God’s use.” For example: This Church is sacred building; it’s for God’s use (Psalm 93:5 KJV). The reason why the City of Jericho was to be burned with fire and “nothing” was to be taken from it was because Jericho was to be considered a burnt offering to the Lord (Joshua 6:24).
During the storm a news reporter stated that when a major hurrican occurs, the name of that hurricane is retired and is never to be given again! The name given to this terrible hurricane was “Katrina.” Why out of all the names it could have been given, was it given the name “Katrina?”
The name “Katrina” means “holy!” (Leviticus 19:1-4)
What is God saying to America nd His Church through this catastrophic storm? “I want you to be holy, that is set apart in your minds, emotions, and will unto me. And I am exposing you!”
Look what has been exposed in America through Hurricane Katrina:
- Our Vulnerability (dependence on oil)
- Our Pride (we initially informed other nations we didn’t need their help)
- Our Racial and Economic Divide
The question is: What should be our response as a people? As God’s church? Repentance! 1 Samuel 7:3 indicates to us what true repentance looks like:
- Return to the Lord (Jeremiah 4:1-2)
- Rid ourselves of other gods, that being idols (Leviticus 19:4)
- Ready our hearts and attitudes for Him (1 Samuel 16:7)
- Render (give) Service to God. What are we doing for God? (Psalm 116:12; Romans 12:1)
