Lasting Benefits
This summer we are having a "Psalm 103 Summer" at NHBC. I am preaching through the benefits of knowing and following the Lord, because David exhorts us not to forget all His benefits. It is a great psalm and a great blessing to understand these benefits. Psalm 103:17,18 assures us that the benefits of the Lord are not fleeting, but lasting benefits for those who know and follow the Lord.
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting on those who fear Him. What a blessing! When God sees a person who trusts Him and has a very healthy fear and respect for Him and His Word, He lavishes His mercy upon him. This has been God's practice since He created people, and it will continue for eternity. God is there to aid those who fear Him in a compassionate and merciful way.
Then, His righteousness lasts to the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant and obey His commandments. This means that our righteousness in following the Lord is not just a blessing for us, but for our children and grandchildren, also. Isn't that amazing? God's righteousness is so powerful, and He is so faithful that we pass on His righteousness to our children and grandchildren with His reinforcement. He plants it in their hearts, as we are passing it on by our teaching and our example. This does not mean that their salvation is automatic, but it does mean that they will know what is right and what they need to do in a special way, because of his lasting benefits.
God is so good. It has been said that we can't out-give God. That is very true. He is always ready to bless those who fear Him and follow His covenant commands in such a way that lasting benefits are poured out on them and their families. Think about how you have seen this in your family. Think back to faithful grandparents and see how God has benefited you. We should praise Him for His lasting benefits all of the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 104-106.
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting on those who fear Him. What a blessing! When God sees a person who trusts Him and has a very healthy fear and respect for Him and His Word, He lavishes His mercy upon him. This has been God's practice since He created people, and it will continue for eternity. God is there to aid those who fear Him in a compassionate and merciful way.
Then, His righteousness lasts to the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant and obey His commandments. This means that our righteousness in following the Lord is not just a blessing for us, but for our children and grandchildren, also. Isn't that amazing? God's righteousness is so powerful, and He is so faithful that we pass on His righteousness to our children and grandchildren with His reinforcement. He plants it in their hearts, as we are passing it on by our teaching and our example. This does not mean that their salvation is automatic, but it does mean that they will know what is right and what they need to do in a special way, because of his lasting benefits.
God is so good. It has been said that we can't out-give God. That is very true. He is always ready to bless those who fear Him and follow His covenant commands in such a way that lasting benefits are poured out on them and their families. Think about how you have seen this in your family. Think back to faithful grandparents and see how God has benefited you. We should praise Him for His lasting benefits all of the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 104-106.