The Witness Involved In Suffering
Introduction
In Ps 119, we have studied and discovered the incalculable value of the Bible, God’s word. On three different occasions the Psalmist refers to himself as “Your servant”; a servant of the Lord. As God’s servant, he has learned well that God cares for His servants. He does not always prevent us from being oppressed, but He always has a good reason for permitting it to happen. He is a loving Father who teaches us His will and gives us the discernment we need to handle the problems of life. Even more, He gives us promises that we can claim and thereby find the strength and wisdom we need. God’s servants do not live by explanations they live by promises. With that being said, “olde how important we believe His promises.” Our future is as bright as the promises of God! In His promises we find the truth about several things.
I. His Submission 121
“I have done justice and righteousness” – the Psalmist was not boasting but affirming to the Lord that he was not guilty of anything that deserved punishment. He was a man of integrity who had a clear conscience; he had treated others fairly and had practiced God’s holy laws diligently.
The Psalmist believed that trusting in God would make a difference in how things go. He acknowledges his faithfulness, therefore, he boldly makes his request.
“Do not leave me to my oppressors”
The Psalmist commits himself to the care of the Lord. Proverbs 21:3, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” The Psalmist’s testimony is one of obedience.
II. His Surety 122
“Be surety for Your servant for good” – a surety is one who assumes the obligation or failure in duty to another. God is perfect. His righteousness does not permit Him to require less
Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
At the cross, Jesus made full payment to God for my obligation to God. As my surety, He paid for my default. If my heart’s desire is to please God, He will receive my imperfect service because Jesus Christ, my Mediator, makes up for my inadequacy day by day.
A person became surety when he or she pledged to pay another person’s debt or fulfill a promise. Hebrews 7:22, “by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.”
The Bible teaches that “the soul who sins shall die”; Ezekiel 18:4. The Bible also says, “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Rom 5:20. No matter how many promises we might make to the Lord, we can never fulfill them. But in His death on the cross, Jesus has paid the debt for us, and in His ministry of intercession at the throne in heaven, He is our living Surety.
The Bible beautifully illustrates the Principle of Surety. Genesis 43:9, “I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.” Jacob is hearing Judah’s commitment to his younger brother Benjamin.
The Psalmist sees the Lord as his sole hope of heaven, and his unfailing resource in life.
III. His Seeking 123
“My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation” – this passage pictures the Psalmist waiting and enduring adversity from the oppressors. God cares for His servants. He does not always prevent us from being oppressed, but He always has a good reason for permitting it to happen. He has a purpose in His delays. The Psalmist is both in a mood of desperation and determination.
The picture is that of a shipwrecked mariner who has climbed to some vantage point on his lonely island to scan the far horizons in search of a sail.
“And Your righteous word” – his eyes might fail, his strength might fail, his days might fail, but God could not fail. Help had been promised.
Psalms 116:1-7
“I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!" Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”
IV. His Servanthood 124-125
A. Psalmist's Desire For Content 124
John Phillips said that in this text “mercy and morality hold hands.” The Psalmist’s commitment to do what was right (121) gave him a teachable spirit.
B. Psalmist Desire For Clarity 125
“understanding” – illumines it for us; discernment
“that I may know” – to know by experience. He wants to live God’s word (live what I believe). Experience is what differs the gathering of information from true Christ-honoring experience.
In both verses 124 and 125 the Psalmist see himself as God’s Servant. This position of the Psalmist places him at a place of great potential for his Savior.
V. His Spiritual Power 126
“It is time for you to act, O Lord”
As the Psalmist submits himself to the Lord, he senses the need to decrease in order that the Lord increase, He wishes for divine power to be released and that the impotent church came alive with power.
VI. His Scriptural Passion 127-128
A. His Appraisal 127
I greatly value God’s word. 2 Timothy 4:13, “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come — and the books, especially the parchments.”
Psalms 19:7-10
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”
B. His Acknowledgement 128
“therefore” – you can depend on the Bible for direction and guidance; this is the Psalmist’s conclusion. He was fully persuaded (consider=esteem)
1. Psalmists Loved His Treasure 127
2. Psalmist Lives His Truth 128