Psalm 125
The sermon emphasizes the blessing of trusting in God, who provides protection, goodness, and peace to His people.
Henry Law preaches about the blessed description of God's children who trust in the Lord, emphasizing the unshakeable stability and protection they receive from Him. He encourages believers to find strength in their faith during spiritual battles, knowing that God surrounds them with His everlasting presence. Law highlights God's intervention to prevent the righteous from falling into iniquity and the promise of goodness to those who are upright in heart. He contrasts the fate of the wicked with the peace bestowed upon the true followers of God, urging listeners to remain faithful and rejoice in God's abundant peace.
Text
This ode sings a blessed description of God's children. Earnest prayer is the fitting conclusion.
1. "Those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever."
It is the blessing of blessings to put all trust in God. Those who thus cling to Him shall never be cast off. Perils may surround them, but hostile might shall not prevail. As easily might puny man cast down the loftiest mountains as adverse power shake the firm stability of this faith. May this trust nerve us in the Christian warfare!
2. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth, even forever."
Jerusalem was guarded by natural barriers. Surrounding mountains spread protecting arms. This image shows the safety of God's people. On all sides He stands their sure protection. He must be removed or vanquished before an adversary can touch them. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. Can safety be more safe?
3. "For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity."
Hostile might may often rage against the righteous. Foes may threaten to trample them beneath their feet. But God will check the overbearing enmity. If trials should long prevail there might be peril, lest the spirits of the righteous should faint. Fear of desertion might open the door to many doubts. But all such danger is averted by the hand of God. His ready help restores confiding hope.
4. "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts."
Believers are described as good. The name is explained by the Spirit as implying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and of faith. It is proof that no deception is harbored in their hearts. Prayer is made that God would visit them with goodness. This prayer indited by the Spirit amounts to a heavenly promise that they shall receive such honor.
5. "As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity; but peace shall be upon Israel."
Transition of scene shows the deceitful followers of evil led forth by God to merited execution, while the true Israel rejoice in abundant peace. May this happy state be our glad portion! Grant it, Heavenly Father, for Your love's sake, in Christ Jesus.
Sermon Outline
- The Blessing of Trusting in God
- God's Protection Surrounds His People
- God's Hand Checks the Wicked
- God Visits the Righteous with Goodness
- Peace Upon Israel
- Deceitful followers of evil led forth by God
- True Israel rejoice in abundant peace
Key Quotes
“Those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever.” — Henry Law
“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth, even forever.” — Henry Law
“For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.” — Henry Law
Application Points
- May we put all trust in God and experience His protection and goodness.
- Let us pray for God's goodness to visit us and bring us peace.
- We should not be deceived by the wicked, but rather stand firm in our faith and trust in God's hand to check their evil plans.