Love Is Better Than Life (Matthew Balentine)

Ninth Avenue Church

In this sermon, Matthew Balentine explores the profound relationship between our focus and our spiritual fulfillment, drawing inspiration from the life of David as depicted in Psalm 63. David, a man after God's own heart, faced a time of great personal crisis when he was forced into the wilderness by his own son Absalom. This period of wilderness wandering, though filled with loneliness and humiliation, became a pivotal moment for David to refocus his life on God.

David's thirst for God in a dry and weary land where there was no water serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual longing. Just as David earnestly sought God from the beginning of his day, we too must prioritize our relationship with God, allowing it to be the positive beginning that sets the tone for our entire day. David's focus on God's love, which he deemed better than life itself, reminds us that when we allow the Lord to possess us, we will be obsessed with Him.

The love of Jesus must be our motivation in living out our Christian faith. It is this love that compels us to live, love, forgive, and share the message of Christ's love with others. When we embrace and allow God's love to consume our lives, we find ourselves compelled to act in ways that reflect His love.

David's use of the imagery of a full banquet to represent spiritual fulfillment is particularly poignant. In a time when a table laden with food was not the norm, such abundance symbolized the ultimate blessing. This imagery reminds us that God's love meets our every need, and in Him, we never go empty.

As we navigate the challenges of life, we may find ourselves in our own wilderness, feeling alone and thirsty for something more. It is in these moments that we must turn to God and recognize that His love is indeed better than life. By focusing on God's love and allowing it to possess us, we can find true fulfillment and joy.

Now, let us consider the key takeaways from the sermon:

1. The love of Jesus is the driving force behind our Christian walk. It is not enough to simply understand this love intellectually; we must feel it, embrace it, and let it consume us. When we do, it compels us to live a life that reflects the love of Christ to others.

2. Spiritual fulfillment is often symbolized by a full banquet, as seen in the Old Testament. This imagery is a reminder that God's blessings are abundant and that in Him, we find complete satisfaction. Our spiritual hunger can only be truly satiated by the richness of God's love.

3. Our daily focus on God sets the tone for our lives. Seeking God earnestly from the beginning of our day, as David did, ensures that we start with a positive outlook and a heart tuned to worship and gratitude.

4. In times of wilderness, when we feel alone and empty, it is crucial to remember that God's love is better than life itself. This truth should be the center point of our existence, guiding us to seek fulfillment in God above all else.

5. When we allow the Lord to possess us, our obsession becomes Him. This shift in focus transforms our desires, aligning them with God's will, and leading us to a life of purpose and joy in His presence.

In conclusion, let us strive to make God the focus of our lives, allowing His love to guide us through every wilderness and into the abundance of His blessings.

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The song "The Ode to Joy" is used pursuant to a license issued by Envato Elements.