The Care of the Poor
God's promise to strengthen the poor in their time of need is a blessing to those who care for the poor and a call to action for those who have failed to do so.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise of strength and support from God for those who care for the poor, as illustrated in Psalms 41:3. He highlights that in times of sickness, God becomes a nurturing presence, offering comfort and restoration to those who show compassion to the needy. Spurgeon contrasts the loving nature of the God of Israel with the indifferent deities of other cultures, underscoring the unique relationship believers have with God. He encourages listeners to recognize the blessings they forfeit by neglecting the poor and urges them to become active friends and helpers to those in need.
Text
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. (Psalm 41:3)
Remember that this is a promise to the man who considers the poor. Are you one of these? Then take home the text.
See how in the hour of sickness the God of the poor will bless the man who cares for the poor! The everlasting arms shall stay up his soul as friendly hands and downy pillows stay up the body of the sick. How tender and sympathizing is this image; how near it brings our God to our infirmities and sicknesses! Whoever heard this of the old heathen Jove, or of the gods of India or China! This is language peculiar to the God of Israel; He it is who deigns to become nurse and attendant upon good men. If He smites with one hand, He sustains with the other. Oh, it is blessed fainting when one falls upon the Lord's own bosom and is born thereon' Grace is the best of restoratives; divine love is the safest stimulant for the languishing patient; it makes the soul strong as a giant, even when the bones are breaking through the skin. No physician like the Lord, no tonic like His promise, no wine like His love.
If the reader has failed in his duty to the poor, let him see what he is losing and at once become their friend and helper.
Sermon Outline
- The Promise to the Man Who Cares for the Poor
- The Tender Care of God
- The Benefits of Caring for the Poor
- The Call to Action
- The strengthening of the soul through God's promise
- The importance of divine love as a restorative
- Recognizing the loss of failing to care for the poor
- Becoming a friend and helper to the poor
Key Quotes
“Grace is the best of restoratives; divine love is the safest stimulant for the languishing patient;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“No physician like the Lord, no tonic like His promise, no wine like His love.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Oh, it is blessed fainting when one falls upon the Lord's own bosom and is born thereon'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should recognize the importance of caring for the poor and take action to support them in their time of need.
- God's promise to strengthen the poor is a blessing to those who care for the poor and a call to action for those who have failed to do so.
- Divine love is the safest stimulant for the languishing patient and makes the soul strong as a giant.