Psalms 116:13

Psalms 116:13

I. We see here, first, God giving. The form which the giving takes in this representation is the hand of God presenting a cup. Goodness is manifested in all God's giving, in the cup of wrath as in the cup of blessing; but the cup of blessing is a revelation of love, God giving. This is the ultimate Owner giving. This is giving on His part in whom the absolute right of possession is vested. This is righteous giving. This is giving which need not make us afraid of taking.

II. Man taking. The taking here is not a simple laying hold of that which God gives, but the use and enjoyment of what God bestows. To take the cup of salvation is to receive a blessing in all its fulness, to the utmost limit of our receptive capacity and of our power to accept and to enjoy.

III. God's servant seeing God in what he takes. There is a name of God on every cup, and in every act of offering a cup.

IV. Worship, the fruit of what we receive and see. Past and present gifts on the part of God should encourage us in three things: prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

S. Martin, Rain upon the Mown Grass,p. 273.

References: Psalms 116:13. S. H. Booth, Christian World Pulpit,vol. iii., p. 161; C. J. Vaughan, Ibid.,vol. viii., p. 273.Psalms 116:15. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xviii., No. 1036; Plain Sermons by Contributors to" Tracts for the Times," vol. ii., p. 278; J. Keble, Sermons for Saints' Days,p. 30.