(OR: THE LORD AS THE ULTIMATE DO-GOODER)
BIG IDEA: ISRAEL – THE LAND OF THE RIGHTEOUS –
ABIDES ROCK SOLID FOREVER
INTRODUCTION:
We know that “Faith can move mountains”, but here we learn that Faith makes you an unmoveable mountain!
I. (:1) MOUNTAIN-LIKE STABILITY FOR THE LAND OF THE RIGHTEOUS
A. Key = Faith
“Those who trust in the Lord”
this is the defining characteristic of the people of God
the object of our trust is who makes all the difference
B. Comparison to Mount Zion – “Are as Mount Zion”
1. Stability
“which cannot be moved”
2. Permanence
‘but abides forever”
II. (:2-3) MOUNTAIN-LIKE PROTECTION FOR THE LAND OF THE RIGHTEOUS
A. Key = Family Identity
“the Lord surrounds His people”
It is a bad thing to be surrounded by the enemy, but a great comfort to be surrounded by the Lord.
B. Comparison to Refuge and Protection afforded by Mountains
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem …”
1. Protection
“So the Lord surrounds His people”
2. Permanence
“From this time forth and forever”
C. Protection Against Evil Rule and Influence
“For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous; That the righteous may not put forth their hands to do wrong.”
III. (:4-5) ROCK SOLID BLESSINGS FOR THE LAND OF THE RIGHTEOUS
A. Blessing.“Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, And to those who are upright in their hearts”
B. Cursing
“But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord will lead them away with the doers of iniquity.”
(:5B) BENEDICTION:
“Peace be upon Israel”
Cambridge: “not merely a request for absence of conflict, but a desire that in every way, Israel should prosper.”
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) What mountains have you had the opportunity to visit? Describe their qualities. What type of impression or impact did they make on you? What was the benefit for a city like Jerusalem of being surrounded by mountains?
2) What type of mountain-top Christian experiences have you had where your faith and God’s blessing were in evidence?
3) Why was the psalmist so concerned with Peace being upon Israel? What type of concern do we have for the extent of righteousness vs. crookedness in our land?
4) Reflect on how the Lord loves to “Do Good” to his people. As a parent, reflect on how you love to bless your children with good gifts, with protection and security, etc.
Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format
(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)
from:
http://www.bibleoutlines.com
