Psalm 134
The sermon exhorts ministers and believers to bless the Lord and recognize the source of God's blessings, which come from Zion through Jesus Christ.
Henry Law preaches about the exhortation for the ministers of the sanctuary to bless the Lord, with blessings invoked on the speaker in response. Public worship is emphasized as a perpetual ordinance where faithful servants gather in God's house to pray, praise, and listen to His truth. The ministers are called to respond with gratitude, acknowledging the vast blessings that come from the omnipotent Creator, particularly through Jesus as the High Priest in the Church.
Text
The ministers of the sanctuary are exhorted to bless the Lord. In response blessings are invoked on the speaker.
1-2. "Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."
Public worship is a perpetual ordinance. From age to age God's faithful servants will frequent His house and join in common prayer and praise. It will be their delight meekly to listen to the proclamation of His truth. Those who lead in the outward form should precede, also, in inward grace. Those who conduct the hymns of praise should be foremost in offering heartfelt thanksgivings. In the early Church the lighted sanctuary was not a silent place during the hours of night. We have a sweet emblem here of the white-robed congregation, from whose lips unceasing hallelujahs sound. May we soon join the hallowed service!
3. "The Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you out of Zion."
The ministers of the sanctuary are supposed to give response. The grateful reply is, May He, whom we are thus exhorted to bless, pour blessings upon you. How vast must be the blessings which descend from Him who is the omnipotent Creator of the universe! Infinity is the measure of His goodness. All mercies surely come in accordance with His heavenly decree. But it is from Zion that His blessings go forth. Zion typifies the Church of which the blessed Jesus is the High Priest. In Him God blesses His people with all blessings in heavenly places. He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Heavenly Father, we bless You for Jesus; evermore bless us in Him!
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Bless the Lord
- Ministers of the Sanctuary
- Public Worship as a Perpetual Ordinance
- The Importance of Inward Grace
Key Quotes
“Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.” — Henry Law
“The Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you out of Zion.” — Henry Law
“Heavenly Father, we bless You for Jesus; evermore bless us in Him!” — Henry Law
Application Points
- As believers, we should strive to lead in outward forms of worship while also preceding in inward grace and heartfelt thanksgivings.
- We should recognize the source of God's blessings, which come from Zion through Jesus Christ.
- We should delight in listening to the proclamation of God's truth and join in common prayer and praise in public worship.