"Brook In The Way"

Psalm 110

“brook in the way”

Messianic Psalm

In verses 5-7 David sees the coming battle that will dethrone all those human and demonic forces which have had their way during the seven year tribulation.

In verse 7 is an unusual phrase. “Shall drink of the brook in the way.” The word for “brook” is an interesting one. It is associated with a valley.

In the Bible battles were often fought near a valley. See I Samuel 17: 1,2. The captains of the opposing armies would fight from a brook to a brook (19). Each captain knew his troops needed refreshment.

Where did David get his stones from (I Samuel 17:40)?

Turn to Judges 7. In warfare a brook was a necessity. It was an absolute must.

Turn to Job 6:15-20. Job declares, “My brethren have been a deceitful brook.” He compares his friends who did not comfort him in his misery to a brook which in summer when we need water is dry, in winter is hard frozen, and in the time of rain when we have no need overflows with water.

See Jeremiah 15:18. There are streams that the thirsty traveler had calculated on being full in winter, but which disappointed him in his sorest need, having run dry in the heat of summer.

I. Every one needs a brook to refresh

All need some encouragement along life’s way. People do not need some one to tear them down, but someone to build them up. People don’t need someone to criticize, but someone to compliment.

Have you ever felt like giving up? Have you ever felt like it was useless to keep on going. We all need someone to believe in us and support us. We all need some refreshment from time to time.

David needed it (1 Samuel 23:16).

Paul needed it (2 Timothy 1:16).

Titus needed it (2 Corinthians 7:13)

Philemon (7)

The ministry of encouragement is indispensable.

Let’s face it, we are not very good at giving encouragement. We find it easier to criticize, to put down, or to find fault. Ask yourself this question: When did I last encourage someone else? Too often, we hurt each other either by an angry, caustic comments or; perhaps more often, by simply ignoring each other. We take each other for granted. The result is that many Christian people are discouraged, including those involved in Christian work.

All men need refreshment.

II. Every one can be a brook.

We all can be an encourager. We should ask God to make us a brook by the way. I want to be a brook in the way.

Mr. Ray Hansel BJU professor who was a brook in the way for me. My former pastor (James Manning) was a brook in the way for me. Tolbert Moore has been a brook in the way for me. The McCabes in Waycross were a brook in the way for Beth and I during our early years.

Many of you have been a brook in the way for me.

The power in words can build up or tear down

Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;

So in all your contacts with people each day,

Be sure to encourage in all that you say.

A spark of encouragement can rekindle warmth in the heart.

I once heard about a successful man who was asked the ’key to his success’ and he replied, "I had a friend." Everyone needs a friend.

My father in law drinks an energy drink called "Boost." I guess it helps....but there’s no doubt about ENCOURAGEMENT being a boost to anyone!

ENCOURAGEMENT gives hope, confidence and is a support and help.

(Heard a pastor recently tell about a man who had refreshed him. Taken his son out of school to go a trip. Lost wallet had but $8.00 in his wallet. Drunk took up an offering for this preacher of the gospel).

How can we encourage others? Sometimes just picking up the phone and calling somebody who needs to be lifted up is just the thing that’s needed. A note, a personal word of thanks to someone who means something to you would be greatly appreciated. These things require little time but bring incalculable benefits.

BY BEING A BROOK IN THE WAY, WE CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE!

III. Every man should tell those who have been a brook of encouragement

Some of you would not be here today if it had not been for a brook in the way. Have you ever thanked them for being the brook in the way?

Dead noses smell no roses.

Is there someone in this church that has been a brook in the way for you?

Who has made an investment in your life? Thank them. Tell them of the dividends their investment has reaped.

Conclusion:

Will you be a “brook in the way”?