The Green Forest tribune., 1917-10-05
LESSON FOR OCTOBER '
PSALMS OF DELIVERANCE.

tears snail reap In Joy.-PSalHS Lo:o.
 These Psalms breathe the spirit of the true patriot. The Psalmist sees his afflicted country suffering for the sins of the people, prays for their restoration to the Divine favor, and with the eagle eye of faith anticipates the joyful day of spiritual and tenn poral blessings because of restoration to the Divine favor. Doubtless such patriotism would be pleasing to the Lord on the part of us all. Psalm S5.
 |. Praises for Mercies Received (vv. 1-3).
 Praise Is given for
 CD Deliverance from Captivity (v. D.
 He had in mind the specific mercies of given time; perhaps it was one of the expressions of the PhiliStines from which they had been delivered. There seems to be no good ground for thinking that this was deliverance from the Babylonian captivity. His praise is given to the Lord, the name revealed to Moses when the people were in bondage. It was fitting for him to appeal to God by the name which expressed the Divine attribute most concerned The central meaning of the name Lord is the Unchanging, Self-Existing One.
 (2) Forgiveness of Sin (vv. ?. 3.
 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity-- covered all their sin" Gods restora- tion was the proof that he had par 1 doned. Great indeed was the sin of Jacob, but Gods forgiveness was great CT. He Is peculiarly God of mercy. Having forgiven the sins his anger is taken away. He stayed his hand from the judgment which would have justly fallen, to show his mercy. Many times he does this with us. The reason he can do this is that he has found a way by which he can be just, and at the same time justify the sinner (Rom. 13 :26). In Chrfsts atonement all our sins are plotted out, covered up, and because of this Gods burning, fierce anger is turned from us.
 II. Prayer for Restoration From Rackslding (vv. 4-D.
 He knew how worthless the outward blessings of the Lord would be unless the people inwardly turned to the Lord. He, therefore. besought the Lord to give them the greater blessing, that of a change of heart. Without the change of heart forgiveness would be ct,N,1 al, oc l. |. by Gods help. Salvation and restora- tion is only possible as God bestows enabling grace. No one can come to God by his own efforts It was for this reason that the Psalmist prayed that God would turn them. Only as the people turn from their sins can Gods anger be turned aside. Two things are prayed for:
 CD That God would turn the hearts of his people toward himself (v. 4).
 Knowing the peoples utter helpless ness to turn to God, he cried out to God to save them by turning them to himself. He knew that Gods anger could not turn from the people as long as they were impenitent
 (2) That God would take away the very remembrance of their sins (vv. 5-T.
 (a) The ending of his anger (v. 3. The desire seems to be that he would wipe out the very marks of his dis | pleasure by not longer allowing pun ishment to be meted out to them
 (b) The return to the peoples joy (v. @.
 Their joy could only be realized through a revival from God. The Psalmist now becomes more bold in his requests. He is getting near enough to Gods heart to know that he delights In the welfare of his children, delights In their joy. The sure proof of re vival is joy.
 (c)Shall show them mercy (v. D.
 Make 1t visible" is his cry. Gods judgment was most real. His desire is that his mercy would be just as real
 III. Exultant Anticipation (vv. S-13).
 Having spoken the sentiment of the repentant people, the poet expresses confidence of the Lords response. So faithful is God that those who sin cerely pray to him can go forward with the assurance of petitions granted.
 CD He will speak peace" (v. 8.
 He knew that gentle answer would come, but it's continuance would de pend upon the fidelity of the people. Turning to folly would provoke again his wrath
 (2) Will bring his salvation near (v. 9.
 Only as his salvation was near could glory be in the land.
 (3) Devise way by which "Mercy and truth" Righteousness and peace," may be united (vv. 10, 1I.
 He did not suggest a way. He may not have known 1t. Faith now sees the way in Christ. In him such q union has been blessedly effected.
 (4) The land shall become fruitful (v. ID.
 When sin is removed temporal pros perity shall follow. Earth's barren ness is due to sin. When the curse is removed fruitfulness shall follow.
 (5) Righteousness shall be the guide of his people (v. 12).
 In that golden. glad age Gods right eous ways will leave a track in which his own may walk with security.
 Psalm 126.
 1. The Fact of Zion's DeIiverance (vv. l, ?.
 CD By whom (v. D. The Lord.
 (2) Effect Uf (vv. 1,2).
 (a) The people were scarcely able to believe it. So sudden and unexpect.