The Ḥesed Press: Pressing Down — As Seen in the Life of Hosea
In this sermon, Dana emphasizes the Christian journey of pressing upward to higher ground, symbolizing spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. He begins with a hymn about climbing to higher ground, illustrating the ongoing pursuit of faith and spiritual elevation. Dana highlights that true vision begins with a clear view of the Lord Himself, His sovereignty, and His work, as exemplified in the biblical accounts of Habakkuk and Isaiah. Habakkuk's dialogue with God demonstrates that burden precedes vision; believers often start with a burden, which then transforms into a divine vision through prayer and intercession. Dana stresses the importance of seeing God's sovereignty—His plans and omnipotence—especially in times of trouble, such as Judah's captivity. The prophet's wrestling with God leads to a divine revelation of future victory, encouraging believers to trust God's higher ways. Dana also discusses the significance of living in Mount Zion, a spiritual place where believers experience God's presence, angels, and the heavenly Jerusalem even while on earth. The message underscores that pressing through burdens, prayer, and praise aligns us with God's eternal purpose—living above the world in victory, with a vision of what is already accomplished in Christ. Ultimately, Dana calls Christians to ascend spiritually, see Jesus as the center, and live in the reality of God's promises, especially in these last days.
Outline of Main Points
Pressing upward symbolizes spiritual growth and higher faith levels.
True vision begins with seeing the Lord in His holiness and sovereignty.
Burdens lead to divine visions; prayer and intercession are essential steps.
Habakkuk's dialogue exemplifies wrestling with God's higher ways and plans.
God's sovereignty is demonstrated through His use of nations and events for His purpose.
Living in Mount Zion represents experiencing God's presence and heavenly realities on earth.
Living above the world involves seeing the finished work of Christ and living in victory.
Spiritual ascent involves trusting God's eternal purpose and living in the reality of His promises.
Encouragement to believers to seek higher ground, see Jesus as the center, and live in divine victory.
1 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
