August 26, 2012

"The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.  Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul." Psalm 103:19-22 

 

You can have all of God's benefits - FOREVER - because God's assets of mercy, love and grace are UNLIMITED!

 

David states that premise and then supports it with proof!

 

So, what is God's preferred and desired response from His people?

 

 

THE PRAISE, Vv. 19-22 – “Praise God that all His benefits are guaranteed”!

 

A little boy came to the Washington Monument and noticed a guard standing by it. The little boy looked up at the guard and said, "I want to buy it." The guard stooped down: "How much do you have?" The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter. The guard said, "That's not enough." The boy replied, "I thought you would say that." So he pulled out nine cents more. The guard looked down at the boy: "You need to understand three things. First, thirty-four cents is not enough. In fact, $34 million is not enough to buy the Washington Monument. Second, the Washington Monument is not for sale. And third, if you are an American citizen, the Washington Monument already belongs to you."

 

We need to understand three things about God’s mercy. First, we cannot earn it. Second, it is not for sale. And third, if we are in Christ, we already have it.

 

So, how do you respond to such great compassion and mercy?

 

REPENT – Vv. 11, 13, 17 – “FEAR HIM”

 

Are there unconfessed sins in your life that keep you from praising?

 

RECEIVE – Vv. 18, 19

 

Like the Washington Monument – ALL GOD’S BENEFITS ARE YOURS!

 

REJOICE – Vv. 20 – 22

 

Christian writer and commentator Warren Wiersbe, tells about a town where a horse bolted and ran away with a wagon carrying a little boy. Seeing the child in danger, a young man risked his life to catch the horse and stop the wagon. The child who was saved grew up to become a lawless man, and one day he stood before a judge to be sentenced for a serious crime. The prisoner recognized the judge as the man who, years before had saved his life; so he pled for mercy on the basis of that experience. But the words from the bench silenced his plea: "Young man, then I was your savior; today I am your judge, and I must sentence you to be hanged." One day Jesus Christ will say to rebellious sinners, "During that long day of grace, I was the Savior, and I would have forgiven you. But today I am your Judge."

 

If you are enjoying His benefits and are fully aware of His mercy, why would you not be rejoicing?

 

You can rejoice in His mercy now – As Your Savior     

 OR

You can receive His justice later – As Your Judge