========================================================================
  PSALM 123
  by Henry Law
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of looking to God for
relief from distress and following Jesus to experience the change that
comes with being meek and lowly.

Topics: "Seeking Mercy", "Patient Faith"
Scripture References: Psalm 123:1-3

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Henry Law preaches on the importance of seeking God's mercy in times of
contempt and derision, emphasizing the Psalmist's example of looking to
God in distress and waiting patiently for His mercy. Faith is compared
to a devoted servant attentively watching his master's hand, eager to
fulfill his will, and faith is encouraged to be patient in waiting for
God's mercy to shine forth. The cry for mercy is described as strong and
persistent, especially in the face of scorn from the ungodly, with the
assurance that the proud will be humbled and the humble exalted in
eternity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contempt and derision should quicken our flight to the mercy-seat.

1. "Unto You lift I up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens."

The Psalmist holds in his hand a cup overflowing with bitter waters of
distress. But he knows from whom relief can be obtained. He looks away--
He looks aloft--He looks on high--He looks to the heaven of heavens--He
looks to his God and Father in Christ Jesus. High indeed is His glorious
throne, but the eye of faith can reach it. It sees seated thereon His
Father invested with all abundance of power, and beaming with all smiles
of love. Let us fear no trouble, which brings us to this light.

2. "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters,
and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes
wait upon the Lord our God, until He has mercy upon us."

A homely similitude shows the intense and patient watchings of faith.
The devoted servant diligently observes his master. He studies to learn
his will. His desire is to execute his wishes. So faith is ever studious
to ascertain what God would have us to do. It looks upward, not doubting
that God will guide with His eye. Faith, also, is very patient. It
humbly waits until mercy is given. He who thus watches will surely find
that mercy in due time will radiantly shine forth.

3-4. "Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for we are
exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with
the scorning of those who are at ease, and with the contempt of the
proud."

The cry for mercy is strong and importunate. It will not cease until
mercy's wings flutter around. It is especially urged by the contemptuous
bearing of the ungodly. They scornfully deride the humble followers of
the Lamb. But great will be the change, when the proud are cast into
outer darkness, and the lowly raised to their eternal thrones. Let us be
the true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we may dwell with
Him forever.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/henry-law/psalm-123/
========================================================================