TEXT: Psalm 125:1-5
READING: Psalm 91:1-16
SUBJ: Assurance that is given in conjunction with trusting the Lord.
AIM: That we should indeed be like Zion which cannot be removed.
INTR: In troublous times and uncertain they (we) who trust the Lord see that which is unmovable – the established place in the presence of the Lord.
1. The tendency of all is to look to a place of stability, but in this world, we find none…
2. Such a place to Old Testament believers was secured by the Lord’s presence there.
3. What Christ has done, what He has claimed, what He had declared for His people shall not be removed despite all the efforts to do so. It is of no uncertain future.
THESIS: “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” was the message to Israel. But they would not. May we seize upon that given us in Christ our Lord.
I. Mount Zion in fact and principle (vv. 1-2)
1. Compare Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
2. And that in salvation we are brought to dwell with Him there.
3. Consider the basis of the establishment of that city: Psalms 89:14-15 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. 15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
4. The geography of Jerusalem includes Mount Zion, The Mount of Olives and others
5. They serve as symbols of the protection that we are given in the Lord – As the walls of Jerusalem were thought to be impregnable so is the Arm of the Lord for sure. He is the security of His people.
6. I was first drawn to this passage in conjunction with some thoughts taken from a little book that I have used in the past -- it is a compilation of some of Spurgeon’s Communion meditations.
1) He drew from a Frances Havergal Hymn that I am not familiar with and used it as an outline beginning with: And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:2)
2) A second picture he drew from her: As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. (Song of Solomon 2:3).
3) A third thought seemed to encompass even more: Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalms 63:7). (Consider the hen gathering her chicks).
II. The Rod of Wickedness (v. 3)
1. Compare Ishmael and Isaac, Egypt and Israel et al.
2. It may indeed come, but it cannot rest
1) Consider the lot of the Lord’s people – that is, the life appointed
2) Lest the righteous act in a sinful way by joining with or in reaction to the rod of wickedness. Note the actions of many in the time of the captivity.
3. In the end, He will not suffer them to be overcome. See Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
III. A Prayer for good to those that be good (v. 4)
1. They are good because the grace of God has made them so.
2. Uprightness in heart is the critical issue with the manifest goodness of God upon us. See Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Rom 7:18
3. While Paul knew about the failure of the flesh (Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.) But, he sought the good that was God’s to give.
4. Thus, we pray for more of that which separates us unto God.
IV. Such as turn aside (v. 5)
1. These are they which seem to be on track and then turn. These have their lot with the workers of iniquity (Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.)
2. Spurgeon referred to it as a “circumbendibus.” That is a round about way
3. They are none the better for their religious endeavor for they are neither upright in heart, nor do they trust in the Lord.
4. But “peace shall be upon Israel.” See Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
