The Elbert County tribune., 1917-10-05
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 7
PSALMS OF DELlvERANcE.

LESSON TExT-Psalms IS and 12e
GOLDEN TEXT-They that SOW in
tears shall reap in joy.-Psalms 1865
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
wv. 1-3).
Praise is given for
~ Deliverance from Captivity ".
~.
He had in mind the specific mercies
Of a given time; perhaps 1t was one
of the expressions of the Phillstines
from which they had been delivered.
(2) Forgiveness of Sin wv. 2, 81.
'grhou hast forgiven the iniquity-
covered all their sim" Gods restora-
ton was the proof that he had par
doned. Great indeed was the sin of
Jacob. but Gods forgiveness was great
er. 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.
II. Prayer for Restoration From
eacksliding wv. 40.
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
futile. A change of heart can only be
by Gods help.
(1) That God would turn the hearts
of his people toward himself ". ~.
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.
very remembrance of their sins wv.
5-7).
(a) The ending of his anger ". 81.
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
". 81.
Their joy could only be realized
through revival from God. The
Psalmist now becomes more bold In his
requests.
(c)Shall show them mercy ". y.
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.
Q) HE will speak peace" ". 81.
He knew that gentle answer would
come, but its continuance would de-
pend upon the fidelity of the people.
Turning to folly would provoke again
his wrath.
(2) VIII bring his salvation near
". 81.
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 wv. 10, 1D.
He did not suggest a way. He may
not have known it. Faith now sees
the way In Christ. In him such a
union has been blessedly effected.
(4) The land shall become fruitful
". 11).
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 ". 12).
In that golden, glad age Gods right
eous ways will leave track in which
his own may walk with security.
Psalm 126.
!. Tho Fact Of zion's Dellveranee
wv. 1, p.
~ By whom ". ~. The Lord.
(2) Effect of wv. 1,2).
(a) The people were scarcely able
to believe 1t. So sudden and unexpect-
ed was their deliverance that 1t
seemed to them as a dream. They ex-
pressed their feeling in joyful laughter.
(b) The heather noted their deliver
ance as marvellous, and ascribed 1t to
God ". p.
Sonu and prayer