5th Sunday After Epiphany, Year A. Series

This “wealth and riches” clause should not be detached from the “righteousness which endures” (Psalm 112:3). At this point, the blessing seems proportionate to the virtue. Our “righteousness” has the same durability as the righteousness of the LORD: “for ever” (Psalm 112:3; cf. Psalm 111:3).

The “light rising in the darkness” (Psalm 112:4):

1. The LORD (Psalm 27:1; 1 John 1:5);

2. Jesus (Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:32; John 8:12);

3. His followers (Matthew 5:14; Acts 13:47).

The dissemination of God’s light by His people is seen in their lifestyle (Psalm 112:4). The LORD’s gracious provision (Psalm 111:4-5) is echoed in the generous dealings of the good man (Psalm 112:4-5). Neither does this in any way diminish him (Psalm 112:6; cf. Proverbs 11:24).

Yet “wealth and riches” (Psalm 112:3) does not exempt the recipient of the blessing from “evil tidings” (Psalm 112:7) - and the true believer is sometimes challenged anew as to where, or in whom, we are placing our trust. When bad news does come, the good man’s heart remains steady, and fear is vanquished (Psalm 112:8). Those who persevere will be triumphant.

The upright is finally identified by his attitude to the poor (Psalm 112:9; cf. James 1:27). The righteousness of the righteous is of eternal durability (cf. Psalm 112:3). Future honour awaits him.

As for the wicked, they are angry when they see the “horn” (strength) of the righteous exalted (Psalm 112:9-10). They can gnash all they like, but they will “melt away” (Psalm 112:10). Wickedness embraces nothingness, and shall surely perish.

When we put our trust in the righteous LORD, and aim at a life of piety and morality, we shall not lose our reward.

C). THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE CROSS.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16.

Paul is at pains to stress the vastly different manner in which he teaches when compared with the peddlers of the wisdom of this age. This does not mean that he lacks wisdom, nor that he is any less capable than the rhetoricians: but that he does not rely upon manipulative speeches, or worldly wisdom, when preaching Christ crucified. The Apostle had come to Corinth in fear and trembling, desiring converts for God, not himself (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

The Apostles speak of a different kind of wisdom which had hitherto been shrouded in mystery, but which now (in the gospel age) is being revealed to those who will hear. This remained hidden to the rulers of this world: otherwise they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Paul refers to Isaiah 64:4, which confirms the hitherto hiddenness of God’s dealings (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Only the Holy Spirit can know the deep things of God, but with the coming of the Holy Spirit they have been revealed (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

This is in fulfilment of Jesus’ promise that God would give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13) - and with Him all good things (Matthew 7:11).

Paul again emphasises that the Apostles did not use words taught by worldly wisdom, but rather the words which they were taught by the Holy Spirit. Thus they were enabled to interpret spiritual things by means of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13).