Rev. Spencer Shaw explores the theme of refuge and trust in God through the lens of Psalm 27 and Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13. He explains how Lent is a journey, mirroring Jesus’ path toward the cross, and how the Psalms serve as songs of faith for those on this road. The sermon emphasizes that God is a place of refuge and safety, like a mother hen gathering her chicks, and that believers are invited to trust in Him, even when life is uncertain. Shaw challenges the congregation to reflect on where they place their trust, encouraging them to sing lives of faith, knowing that God is steadfast, faithful, and always waiting with open arms.

Concise Outline of "Singing on the Road to the Cross: Yearning for God"

Introduction:

• Rev. Shaw reflects on the season of Lent as a spiritual journey.
  
  
• Lent historically prepared new believers for baptism, but it also renews faith for all who follow Jesus.
  
  
• This year’s theme: Singing on the road to the cross—just as the Israelites sang the Psalms on their way to Jerusalem, we sing of God’s faithfulness.
  
  

I. The Psalms as Songs of Trust on the Journey

1. Psalm 27: A Song of Confidence in God
   
   
   • Declares that God is our refuge, our safe place in times of trouble.
     
     
   • Covers the full range of human emotion—joy, sorrow, anger, and hope—teaching us to bring everything to God.
     
     
2. The Power of Singing Truth in Difficult Moments
   
   
   • Singing is not just an expression of joy, but a way to remind ourselves of God’s promises.
     
     
   • The Psalms help believers redirect their focus from fear to faith.
     
     

II. Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem (Luke 13)

1. Jesus’ Heartbreaking Words:
   
   
   • "Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how often I have desired to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing."
     
     
   • A powerful image of God’s desire to protect and love His people, even when they resist Him.
     
     
2. God as Refuge: A Mother Hen, A Shepherd, A Loving Father
   
   
   • Like a hen protecting her chicks, God longs to shelter us from harm.
     
     
   • Like a shepherd guarding the sheep, He watches over us.
     
     
   • Like the father in the Prodigal Son, He waits with open arms for His people to return.

III. Where Do We Place Our Trust?

1. The Psalmist’s Confidence in God:
   
   
   • "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear."
     
     
   • Trust in God means knowing He will never fail, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
2. False Places of Trust:
   
   
   • Many put their faith in wealth, power, or human strength, but these fail.
     
     
   • "Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord."

IV. Following Jesus on the Road to the Cross

1. The Journey of Lent: Trusting in the Midst of Uncertainty
   
   
   • Walking with Jesus to the cross means trusting Him even when life is difficult.
     
     
   • God does not promise an easy road, but He walks with us and offers refuge.
2. Jesus Invites Us to Take Shelter in Him
   
   
   • "Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest."
     
     
   • We don’t have to wait until everything is perfect—we can trust Him now.

Conclusion:

• The cross and resurrection reveal the ultimate refuge—a place where death, injustice, and pain are defeated.
  
  
• Shaw encourages the congregation to sing songs of trust with their lives, placing their confidence in the steadfast love of God.