PSALM 111 - THE LORD IS OUR GREAT CREATOR, PROVIDOR & REDEEMER.

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 111

Psalm 111 is one of many ASCROSTIC PSALMS, arranged according to the Hebrew alphabet. It is an art of Poetry, usually written by David to help us with our PRAISE and WORSHIP OF GOD and HIS WORKS; and to help with MEMORIZATION. 

The Psalmist rejoices in GOD'S GREATNESS, praising His CREATION, PROVISION and REDEMPTION (Grace and Salvation), in the time of Moses, Joshua, David, and the prophets, leading up to coming of God's Son, Jesus. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Father God are FAITHFUL, JUST and RIGHTEOUS, providing for both our physical and spiritual needs. Central to this Psalm is the reminder of His Covenant with the Israelites, and the New Covenant we now have with Jesus - His Son. 

Finally, our RESPECT for God AND OBEDIENCE to His Word "is the true starting point of WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING", and how we can continue to grow in our faith. 

PRAISE THE TRUE GOD - Read Psalm 111:1

"Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with all my heart; in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation." Psalm 111:1

The Psalmist, who is likely to be David, praised the Lord in three places:

1. By HIMSELF as an "individual proclomation and declaration" - he held nothing back. David brought his "whole heart and soul" to his prayers and service to God.

2. He praised the Lord in a "SMALL ASSEMBLY". which is similar to our small group and family gatherings (devotions). If we want others, especially our children, to love the Lord and to praise Him as we do, for who He is and what He has done, WE NEED TO BE EXAMPLES. 

3. David also worshiped the Lord in the "LARGER ASSEMBLY" encouraging his people, as he encourages us. It is a powerful and wonderful experience when we get together with God's people to worship and praise the Lord in His Churches. Imagine how it will be in Heaven!!

"PRAISE THE LORD! HALLELUJAH! Do it now, do it always, do it heartily. Even if others refuse, put away all doubt, questions or rebellion and GIVE YOURSELF TO PRAISING GOD WITH YOUR LIPS AND YOUR LIVES." Charles Spurgeon

Paul reminds us in his letter to the Hebrews that Jesus Himself loved to praise His Father "in the assembly" and to "tell His brothers and sisters" about Him.

"For He said to God: "I will proclaim your Name to My brothers and sisters. I will praise You among the assembled people." Hebrews 2:12

OUR LORD - OUR CREATOR: Read Psalm 111:2&3;           John 1:1&2

Why do we praise the Lord? First of all, it is because HE IS OUR GREAT CREATOR! These are the works that are WONDERFUL, MARVELLOUS, "HONOURABLE and GLORIOUS". We are invited to study and seek God's works - TO OBSERVE GOD'S CREATION - not just superficially, but as a Scientist or Theologian; by READING GOD'S WORD, and "EXPLORING GOD'S GREATNESS". 

"The works of the Lord are great. Studied by all who have pleasure in them, His work is honourable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever," Psalm 113:2&3 (NKJV)

"In design, in number, in excellence; all the works of the Lord are great, Even the little things of the Lord are great." Charles Spurgeon

It is also hoped that we will develop a relationship with God and His Son Jesus, who we also read about in the Gospel of John as being "a Creator"; and we truly have pleasure in our study of His "glorious and honourable works".

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with Gin the beginning. Through Him all things were made;  without Him nothing was made that has been made." John 3:1-3

"He also says: "In the beginning Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the Heavens are the works of Your hands." Hebrews 1:10

THE LORD - OUR PROVIDER - Read Psalm 111:4-6; Exodus 14:13-16:36; Joshua 4:1-24; 2 Samuel 5; Ezra 5:7-17;     Nehemiah 2, 6, 7:1-3

"He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He gives food to those who fear Him; He always remembers His covenant. He has shown His great power to His people by giving them the lands of the other nations." Psalm 111:4-6

God has provided us with GREAT THINGS and all He asks is that we REMEMBER THEM. He provided His people, not only deliverance from their enemies in Egypt, but also food and water as they wandered in the wilderness. 

"Moses answered: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13&14 (NIV)

"Your right hand Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand Lord, shattered the enemy. In the greatness of your majesty You threw down those who opposed you."  Exodus 15:6&7a (NIV)

"So the people grumbled against Moses: "What are we to drink?"Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water and the water became fit to drink."  Exodus 15:24 (NIV)

"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them: "At twilight you will eat meat, and at morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God." 

                                                                                        Exodus 16:12 (NIV)

Not only in the wilderness, with His people the Israelites, does God supply their physical needs, but with HIS GRACE AND MERCY, "their spiritual needs are also refreshed". We too, as believers today, are also fulfilled with the "New Covenant", through Jesus Christ, God's Son. 

God has shown 'HIS COVENANT" in a number of different ways:

1. In Joshua's time, when He led His people to the land of Canaan.

2. In David's time, when as a King in Jerusalem, he subdued his neighbouring nations.

3. After being exiled to Babylon, Nehemiah and Ezra led God's people in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall and temple.

4. Finally the NEW COVENANT in Jesus Christ, through His death, resurrection and second coming. 

"But this is the New Covenant I will make with my people Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put their laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:10 (NLT)

"In His works, including those of Jesus Himself, He is shown as GRACIOUS AND COMPASSOIONATE. He is ever mindful of the covenant love of His Father." Matthew Henry 

"He has shown the people the power of His works. They have seen what He is able to do. He meant for them to remain in the recollection of His people - GRACE IS AS CONSPICUOUS AS RIGHTEOUSNESS in the great works of God. Yea, the fullness of HIS TENDER LOVE is seen in all He has done." Charles Spurgeon

                                                                                  

We are taught to give glory to God and are assured that His works will be completed!!

THE LORD - FAITHFUL AND JUST - Read Psalm 111:7&8

"The works of His hands are FAITHFUL AND JUST; all His precepts are TRUSTWORTHY. They are established forever and ever; enacted in FAITHFULNESS AND UPRIGHTNESS."                                                                                                             Psalm 111:7&8 (NIV)

 

"We can be sure that His works will be completed; FAITHFUL AND TRUE, JUST AND FAIR. They are RIGHTEOUS AND STEADY."  Matthew Henry

The "Covenant of Grace" is the plan of God's great works. We should rest in HIS FAITHFULNESS and Praise Himn every time we share in HIS PROMISES. His "Word nourishes our soul" and is the "bread of our body".  TRUTH AND JUSTICE are conspicuous in all that Jehovah does and His Son, Jesus Christ, acts as faithfully and just as his Father does. His "New Covenant" will surely stand and is worthy of our allegiance and will lead to everlasting life.

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have ETERNAL LIFE and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40

THE LORD - SAVIOUR and REDEEMER - Read Psalm 111:9, Hebrews 9

"He has sent REDEMPTION to His people. He has commanded His Covenant forever; HOLY AND AWESOME IS HIS NAME."  Psalm 111:9   (NKJV)

"The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become MY SALVATION. He is my God and I will praise Hiom, my father's God and I will exalt Him."  Exodus 15:2 (NIV)

God sent REDEMPTION AND SALVATION to His people when they were in Egypt. This was actual DELIVERANCE. We too are the Lord's redeemed! Paul reminds us is in letter to the Hebrews of the Lord's New Covenant, which brings with it the SAVING ACTS of Jesus Christ. 

"For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first Covenant...... so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to BRING SALVATION to those who are waiting for Him." Hebrews 9:15&28 (NIV)

"Jesus is ever mindful of His covenant and He will never forget the promises of the New Covenant."

                                                                                                           David Guzik

"He hath commanded His covenant forever. It is an eternal institution; FREEDOM BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST. This too is reason for our loudest praise." Matthew Henry

CONCLUSION - WISDOM, OBEDIENCE & FEAR OF THE LORD:  Read Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7

"The FEAR OF THE LORD is the BEGINNING OF WISDOM; A GOOD UNDERSTANDING have all those who DO HIS COMMANDMENTS. His praise endures forever." Psalm 111:10

"Praise the True God. Reading Scripture helps us to know God better. We can be equipped to worship Him more earnestly."  Max Lucado

If we are to know God more, grow in wisdom and respect both He and His Son, Jesus Christ, we need read and study His Word earnestly. We need to be obedient to His commandments and to have sound judgement so we will have a greater understanding. 

"Those who lead OBEDIENT LIVES shall obtain honour from the Lord." Charles Spurgeon

If we "FEAR THE LORD" and "OBEY HIS WORD" we will gain wisdom and knowledge of their works: IN CREATION, AS OUR PROVIDER, SAVIOUR AND REDEEMER; and this will "excite our adoration" and "our praises will never cease". 

"Holy reverence of God leads us to praise Him." Charles Spurgeon

"Hallelujah, Praise the Lord", (2022) City Impact Church, Ditto Music

"Jehovah Jireh", Paul Wilber (2013) You Tube

"Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus Our Blessed Redeemer" (1915/2018) Fanny J Crosby/ Celebration Choir, Mumbai Church, Facebook. 

"The Devotional Bible - New Century Version" (2002) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson.

"The Holy Bible - New International Version" (2011) Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New King James Version" (1982) Thomas Nelson

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation" (2015) Tyndale House Publishing

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", (2009), Lion Hudson Publishers

Guzik, David, "Psalm 111-"The Greatness of God's Work" (2020) www.enduringword.com

Henry, Matthew, Manser, Martin H, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", (1720/2002), Zondervan

Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms", (1885/2021), Christianity.com