Psalm 123
The sermon emphasizes the importance of looking to God for relief from distress and following Jesus to experience the change that comes with being meek and lowly.
Henry Law preaches on the importance of seeking God's mercy in times of contempt and derision, emphasizing the Psalmist's example of looking to God in distress and waiting patiently for His mercy. Faith is compared to a devoted servant attentively watching his master's hand, eager to fulfill his will, and faith is encouraged to be patient in waiting for God's mercy to shine forth. The cry for mercy is described as strong and persistent, especially in the face of scorn from the ungodly, with the assurance that the proud will be humbled and the humble exalted in eternity.
Text
Contempt and derision should quicken our flight to the mercy-seat.
1. "Unto You lift I up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens."
The Psalmist holds in his hand a cup overflowing with bitter waters of distress. But he knows from whom relief can be obtained. He looks away--He looks aloft--He looks on high--He looks to the heaven of heavens--He looks to his God and Father in Christ Jesus. High indeed is His glorious throne, but the eye of faith can reach it. It sees seated thereon His Father invested with all abundance of power, and beaming with all smiles of love. Let us fear no trouble, which brings us to this light.
2. "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until He has mercy upon us."
A homely similitude shows the intense and patient watchings of faith. The devoted servant diligently observes his master. He studies to learn his will. His desire is to execute his wishes. So faith is ever studious to ascertain what God would have us to do. It looks upward, not doubting that God will guide with His eye. Faith, also, is very patient. It humbly waits until mercy is given. He who thus watches will surely find that mercy in due time will radiantly shine forth.
3-4. "Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those who are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud."
The cry for mercy is strong and importunate. It will not cease until mercy's wings flutter around. It is especially urged by the contemptuous bearing of the ungodly. They scornfully deride the humble followers of the Lamb. But great will be the change, when the proud are cast into outer darkness, and the lowly raised to their eternal thrones. Let us be the true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we may dwell with Him forever.
Sermon Outline
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The Psalmist's Cry for Mercy
- Looking to God for relief from distress
- Faith's patient watchings and intense desire to do God's will
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The Similitude of Faith
- Faith as a devoted servant observing and executing God's will
- Faith's patient waiting for mercy
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The Cry for Mercy
- Importunate cry for mercy due to contempt and scorn
- The change that will come when the proud are cast out
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Following Jesus
- Being true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus
- Dwelling with Him forever
Key Quotes
“Contempt and derision should quicken our flight to the mercy-seat.” — Henry Law
“High indeed is His glorious throne, but the eye of faith can reach it.” — Henry Law
“Let us fear no trouble, which brings us to this light.” — Henry Law
Application Points
- We should look away from our troubles and towards God's power and love.
- Faith is patient and waits for God's mercy, and we should cultivate this quality in our relationship with God.
- Following Jesus allows us to dwell with Him forever and experience the change that comes with being meek and lowly.