Psalm 112:1-4 "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. (2) His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. (3) Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. (4) Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous."
Back in Psalm 111:9, the Psalmist declares "... holy and reverend is
his name." Today, we read "Blessed is the man that feareth (holds in
reverence) the LORD." The first one speaks of a definite statement.
The second one tells us that there is a blessing in holding the name of the
Lord in reverence in our hearts and minds. The third commandment demands that
we do not take the name of the Lord in vain. That is, we are not to speak it in
such a manner that is less than the holiness that is declared in the very name
of the Lord. This 112th Psalm speaks of some of the blessings that are
experienced and enjoyed as we hold God's name in the utmost respect.
"His seed shall be mighty upon the earth." This speaks of several
things in life such as children, crops, and general acts of kindness. To me,
this is saying that if we hold the name of the Lord in its proper reverence,
then our lives will ultimately show a positive effect upon the earth.
"Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth
for ever." We all have known, or do know, precious people of the Lord who
do not have a wealth of money and possessions; yet, they are rich. Riches
consist of much more than a bank account. Those who fear the Lord are rich in
love whether they have finances or not. The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song
that says, "I'm rich in faith and hope and love. I got more than my share.
And I'll be movin' to a mansion just over in glory Where I'm a rightful
heir." This is the theme of this 112th Psalm.
One more thing about today's verses. Actually, for me, this is the most
important. "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is
gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous." Even in our darkest
hour, the name of Jesus is a Light to us. Paul writes to us about this light.
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in
our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face
of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) Yes, even when we are in the dark
valley, that Light still shines bright. Why would we not hold the name of Jesus
in the absolute greatest reverence? "There is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
1. Take the name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then where'er you go.
2. Take the name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from ev'ry snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy name in prayer.
Refrain:
Precious name, oh how sweet!
Hope of Earth and joy of Heav'n.
Precious name, oh how sweet!
Hope of Earth and joy of Heav'n.