Psalms 73:22-24

Psalms 73:22

I. Consider the character and condition of this man at first, and before he was turned to the Lord: "So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before Thee." He acted the fool because he did not know the truth, and he missed the truth because he acted the fool.

II. After describing his former alienation, the penitent next proclaims his present nearness and peace: "Nevertheless I am continually with Thee." "I wasas a beast, but I amwith Thee." Species do not interchange, but the transformations which are unknown in the sphere of nature are accomplished in the region of grace. The man has become new. His soul had been in abeyance; he had been as a beast in relation to God. But his original nature had been restored; the image of his Maker had been impressed upon his being. Loving, living communion has recommenced between the offspring, man, and his Father God.

III. Consider the cause and manner of this great deliverance: "Thou hast holden me by my right hand." (1) He ascribes his deliverance to God: "Thou hast holden me." (2) Above, there is an everlasting arm outstretched; below, a willing people gladly grasp it. The picture represents a father leading his strayed child home. The child is not dragged; he is led.

IV. The course through life which the penitent now expects to keep: "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel." In this man's esteem salvation implies holiness. (1) Deliverance from condemnation carries with it turning from sin. (2) The rule of life for the reconciled is the word of God: "Thy counsel." (3) Reconciled and renewed though he be, and walking in the light, he cannot yet be left to himself: "Thou shalt guide me." He needs and gets the present, permanent, personal care of the Father at every stage, every step, of his pilgrimage.

V. The issue of all in eternity: "And afterward receive me to glory." It is not, I shall make my way in, but "Thou shalt receive me." It does not imply any preternatural knowledge of heaven, but a spiritual communion with the Friend of sinners, who is already there. Unless the kingdom of God be within you here, you shall not be within the kingdom of God yonder.

W. Arnot, The Anchor of the Soul, and Other Sermons,p. 212.

References: Psalms 73:22. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. viii., No. 467. Psalms 73:23. Ibid., Morning by Morning,p. 211.Psalms 73:24. H. M. Butler, Harrow Sermons,1st series, p. 356; J. H. Evans, Thursday Penny Pulpit,vol. iv., p. 73; Preacher's Monthly,vol. iii., p. 277, and vol. iv., p. 65; R. D. B. Rawnsley, Sermons in Country Churches,2nd series, p. 179; H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xv., p. 388. Psalms 73:24, H. F. Burder, Sermons,p. 449. Psalms 73:25. E. Garbett, Experiences of the Inner Life,p. 169; A. Scott, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xi., p. 319; Bishop Woodford, Occasional Sermons,vol. ii, p. 247.