Psalm 107:23-31 by Samuel E. Ward September 11, 2011 Theme: Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So, Psa 107:1. Introduction Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. (Isa 59:1 NIV) Isaiah 59:1 provides one of the greatest assurances of God's ability to rescue us from any trial or challenge we may encounter in life--even those of our own making. There is a history that backs up that claim both in the life of Israel and in individuals who have called upon the hand of the Lord in time of need. And this fact is what is addressed in Psalm 107. This psalm calls upon all those who have experienced God's deliverance to give testimony to that fact so that the rest of the world can know they have a God who not only cares about their struggles but can deliver them. Many of the struggles in our lives have a spiritual component in their origin, though not all. Some have been living in a kingdom (either by choice or default) that is governed by the "prince of the power of the air," Satan. In fact, at one time, all of us were participants in this dark kingdom. Paul is speaking to all of us when he writes . . . (Eph 2:1-2 NIV) As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, {2} in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Later, Paul reminds us that once redeemed from this kingdom, we still continue to battle against it. Only in heaven are we completely free from Satan's attempts to draw us back into spiritual darkness. We may occasionally fall, but Satan will fail. God is stronger than Satan. (1 John 4:4 NIV) You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Because of the battle for our affections continues in this life, God instructs us to . . . (Eph 6:11-12 NIV) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. {12} For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The message of Psalm 107:1-9 is that those who have been redeemed from the hand of the foe (Satan) should say so. Others, then, who caught in the web of Satan's kingdom can know that deliverance is possible for all those who cry unto the Lord. Some have been foolish enough to reject the word and counsel of God in favor of a form of their own brand of "wisdom" which only led them to futile thinking. Their own "wisdom" left them in the dark concerning reality. No wonder God labels them as "fools" because they have wrongfully concluded that there should be no restraints on sexual expression and that Nature is god and not its Creator. (Rom 1:21-22, 24-25 NIV) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. {22} Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools . . . {24} Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. {25} They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. The message of Psalm 107:10-16 to those who have been redeemed from the foolishness of thinking that rejects God as Creator and moral Lawgiver should say so. Others, then, caught in the futility of a false secular religion that says man is his own god and there are no moral rules can know that deliverance is possible for all those who cry unto the Lord. Some have suffered afflictions, illnesses, and disease as the consequences of bad, even sinful, choices. Though all may not be delivered from death, all may be healed and be assured of perfection in body and spirit in eternity. What an encouragement Revelation 21:3-5 is to all those whose suffering has led them to give themselves to Christ. (Rev 21:3-5 NIV) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. {4} He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." {5} He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." The message of Psalm 107:10-16 to those who have been redeemed from afflictions due to sinful behavior is that they should say so. Others, then, can know that though their flesh is destroyed, their soul can be delivered and they can experience health and wholeness one day in the presence of Christ if only they cry unto the Lord. Now the Psalmist tells us that . . . IV. Those Who Have Redeemed from the Storms of Life Should Say So, Psa 107:23-31. A. The Awesome Power of God Looks Great from a Distance, Psa 107:23-24. (Psa 107:23-24 NIV) Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. {24} They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. Who can deny the truth of the two following statements? 1. Prosperity and health are easy to take for granted. 2. Appreciation for God's blessings and mercy is minimal until they are taken away. So long as we are not personally affected by disasters such as storms, floods, fires, and earthquakes; we may feel sympathy for others but mostly we just marvel at the power of God seen in these mighty forces of nature. That is why we have "storm chasers" who receive an adrenaline "rush" from flirting with disaster as they take a chance that it will not overcome them. As for the rest of us, we are fixated by the pictures and video taken in the midst of natural disasters which depict its destructive effects afterwards. B. The Awesome Power of God Feels Dreadful in Crisis, Psa 107:25-27. (Psa 107:25-27 NIV) For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. {26} They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. {27} They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. 1. The proof that even the spiritually apathetic believe that God is in control of everything is that for many He is the first one who is blamed when tragedy strikes as well as the first one who is called upon for help . One of the most asked questions after such disasters is "Why did God allow this to happen?" "Where was God?" Isn't it interesting that God often gets all the blame for disasters but none of the credit for the blessings of life we experience before it strikes. Though many people will immediately thank God for preserving them from the disaster, they do not follow up with a commitment to live for Him afterwards. This is reminiscent of God's observation of a rebellious Israel who only turn to God when disaster strikes. (Jer 2:26-28 NIV) "As a thief is disgraced when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced-- they, their kings and their officials, their priests and their prophets. {27} They say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to stone, 'You gave me birth.' They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!' {28} Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble! For you have as many gods as you have towns, O Judah. 2. The truth is that He is in control of everything . a. The disciples of Christ witnessed this control in the midst of a storm and were amazed by it. (Luke 8:24-25 NIV) The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. {25} "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." b. The psalmist testified to God's control over the sea. (Psa 89:8-9 NIV) O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. {9} You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. 3. Man flirts with disaster when he tries to "ride the storm out" without God's aid. (Psa 107:25-27 NIV) For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. {26} They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. {27} They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end. (Rev 16:8-9 NIV) The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. {9} They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. C. The Awesome Power of God's Protection Should Be Sought When Calamity Strikes, Psa 107:28 (Psa 107:28 NIV) Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 1. The awesome display of God's power should remind humans of these things: a. Their vulnerability b. Their limitations c. Their mortality d. Their place e. Their lack of control 2. The awesome love of God desires to give His children peace in the storms of life. a. God's Word can give His children peace through the storms of life. (Psa 119:165 NIV) Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. b. God's promise is to bring all His children out of the storms of life and into His kingdom of peace . (Isa 54:10-13 NIV) Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. {11} "O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. {12} I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. {13} All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace. c. God's Prince of Peace promises His presence with His children in the midst of the storms of life. (John 14:27 NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. d. God's promise of peace can be obtained by His children who pray during the storms in their lives. (Phil 4:6-7 NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. {7} And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. e. God's instruction is that the storms of life are designed to draw His children back to Him in righteouosness and receive peace as a result of their obedience. (Heb 12:11 NIV) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. D. The Awesome Love of God and His Deeds Are Worthy of Thanksgiving, Psa 107:30-31. (Psa 107:30-31 NIV) They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. {31} Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Conclusion: God's Word should minister to all those who find themselves in despair because of fierceness of life's storms. 1. The Lord reaches out to all and hears the prayers of those who seek Him in the midst of their troubles. (Isa 59:1 NIV)Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. 2. The Lord desires to deliver us out of the storms of life so that we can testify as David did to the Lord's goodness and love. (Psa 34:4-6 NIV) I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. {5} Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. {6} This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 3. The Lord promises that even if death claims the life of His children, they will be raised to honor and comfort. |
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So
