Post by Emmanuel A. O. on Feb 28, 2013 7:22:56 GMT 1
Observe, Return and Rejoice. TEXT: psalm 107:31-43
“The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord” (Psalm 107:42,43).
It was Richard Baxter that said, “God locks up clouds, because we have shut up our mouths. The earth is grown hard as iron to us, because we have hardened our hearts against our neighbours. The cries of the poor for bread are loud, because our cries against sin have been so low. Sickness run apace from house to house, and sweep away the poor unprepared inhabitants, because we sweep not out the sin that breeds them”.
Earlier in this chapter, the Psalmist exalted God for His mercies in delivering men from four miseries and calamities, the travellers through the wilderness, captivity, sickness and shipwreck. In our passage today, we see God manifesting his power, providence and wisdom in the happenings here on earth and changes observable in them. But like the stone cut out without hand that smashed the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, we must look above to understand the power at work in the universe. First, we see the earth changes brought about by rebellion against God’s word; “He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground. A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.” Then, when sins are confessed and favour received from God, “He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase, He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to Decrease.” The wise will observe these things and rejoice.
Yes, true wisdom comes as we observe in ourselves the deep sense of misery occasioned by sin and the wrath of God it brings and recognise that the severity of GOD is to bring us to salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Like the prodigal son, rise and return to the Father, repent of sins committed, reconcile with God through Christ, receive pardon for sins, rejoice with and remain in the fellowship of true believers.
Thought for the day:
Repent, return and be restored.
“The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord” (Psalm 107:42,43).
It was Richard Baxter that said, “God locks up clouds, because we have shut up our mouths. The earth is grown hard as iron to us, because we have hardened our hearts against our neighbours. The cries of the poor for bread are loud, because our cries against sin have been so low. Sickness run apace from house to house, and sweep away the poor unprepared inhabitants, because we sweep not out the sin that breeds them”.
Earlier in this chapter, the Psalmist exalted God for His mercies in delivering men from four miseries and calamities, the travellers through the wilderness, captivity, sickness and shipwreck. In our passage today, we see God manifesting his power, providence and wisdom in the happenings here on earth and changes observable in them. But like the stone cut out without hand that smashed the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, we must look above to understand the power at work in the universe. First, we see the earth changes brought about by rebellion against God’s word; “He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground. A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.” Then, when sins are confessed and favour received from God, “He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase, He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to Decrease.” The wise will observe these things and rejoice.
Yes, true wisdom comes as we observe in ourselves the deep sense of misery occasioned by sin and the wrath of God it brings and recognise that the severity of GOD is to bring us to salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Like the prodigal son, rise and return to the Father, repent of sins committed, reconcile with God through Christ, receive pardon for sins, rejoice with and remain in the fellowship of true believers.
Thought for the day:
Repent, return and be restored.