He Appointed Singers Unto the Lord, That Should
Praising the beauty of holiness is a key to victory in spiritual battle, and it requires the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty of holiness and the importance of praising God, even before facing life's battles. He reflects on how King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army in praise, demonstrating faith in God's victory. Meyer encourages believers to cultivate a love for holiness and to express their faith through song, suggesting that true victory comes from a heart filled with praise. He reminds us that when we praise God, He acts on our behalf, turning our battles into blessings. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the joy and sweetness found in worshiping God.
Text
He appointed singers unto the Lord, that should
praise the beauty of holiness. 2 Chron. xx. 21.
DOST thou praise the beauty of holiness? Is holiness beautiful to thee? Art thou in love with it as it is presented in the glorious Lord? Canst thou turn from the noise and anxiety of life's battle to dwell on the loveliness of God and of the devout life, and to praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever? It is a rare accomplishment, acquired only through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. In each of us there should be the priest‑side of character as well as the warrior: the love for what is beautiful in holiness as well as for the strong and active in service.
But the special characteristic of this battle was that the good king put the singers in the forefront of the army, and praised for a victory which was only assured to him by faith. Yet so sure was he of it, that he could praise before he entered into the battle.
There is much to help us here in our daily combat for God and truth. Let us fill the morning hour with holy song, in the heart, if not with the voice; let a psalm or hymn be part of the daily reading; let there be the confidence that God is going to bless, which cannot restrain its jubilant expression. So in all prayer, wait on God till you feel that you can praise Him for what you have asked Him to bestow.
When they began to praise, the Lord did all the rest. Before the onset of his Divine reinforcements the enemy fled. His people had but to gather spoil, and then the praise which had anticipated the battle was consummated as they returned, in the valley of blessing.
'There's a song in the valley of blessing so sweet,
And angels would fain join the strain,
As with rapturous praises we bow at his feet,
Crying. 'Worthy the Lamb that was slain!'
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Praising Holiness
- The Role of Singers in the Army
- The Power of Praise in Battle
- The Result of Praise
- The Lord does the rest
- The enemy flees and the people gather spoil
Key Quotes
“There's a song in the valley of blessing so sweet, And angels would fain join the strain, As with rapturous praises we bow at his feet, Crying. 'Worthy the Lamb that was slain!'” — F.B. Meyer
“It is a rare accomplishment, acquired only through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.” — F.B. Meyer
“The Lord does the rest, and the enemy flees.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Fill your morning hour with holy song to cultivate a spirit of praise.
- Wait on God till you feel you can praise Him for what you have asked Him to bestow.
- Praise God for the victory that is only assured by faith, even before it is achieved.