Sermon Central
-
Placed Highly Series
Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jul 7, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Psalm 91 is a psalm of fortress and joy. He places us highly when we are under his mighty arms. He honours, he satisfies and places highly if we are under his control.
Psalm 91:14-16 “I will set him on the high places.”
This Psalm has three things to communicate about this man of God, Firstly he knows God, Secondly he loves God, Thirdly, he calls on God. Therefore, God said that “I will rescue him, honor him and satisfy him with all the blessings and eternal life.”
Introduction to Psalm 91:
This psalm has no title, and therefore the author remains unknown. May be David because a few verses resemble PSALM 27, 31. May be extension of Moses because the theme of psalm 90 continues one. So it echos the Song of Moses found in Deuteronomy 32. (Derek Kidner).
A Sunday school student said three people are speaking.
a pastor speaks in verses 1, 3 - 8 and 9b - 13.
A man prays to God in verses 2 and 9a.
God speaks in verses 14 - 16.
“This psalm is one of the greatest possessions of the saints.” (G. Campbell Morgan). It’s a cheering Psalm. “It is more solid, more beautiful, more profound, or more ornamented.” (Charles Spurgeon).
It has the protection comfort and care (Psalm 91:1-2). The secret place of the Most High that is for everyone who puts his trust in Him.
“Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.” (Spurgeon)
God keeps the righteous under His wings. He delivers from all dangers and evils. He is God of all seasons and places. He is Omnipotent, Omnipresence, and Omniscience. Therefore, God rescues, honours and satisfies.
He Knows God’s name- God will set him on high. (V.14).
There are 4 names for God in the first 2 verses of this psalm: Most High, Almighty, LORD and God. God is Most High: Elyon. Almighty: Shadday. The LORD: Yahweh, and My God: Elohay (Psalm 91:1-2).
Hebrew language is rich in content like our Tamil. This is what the words mean:
· Most High means that God is more important than anyone else.
· Almighty means that God is more powerful than anyone else.
· LORD means that he will never die.
· God means that he decides what will happen.
My God.
· My God is convert’s confession (Ruth, Ruth 1:16).
· My God is individual Christian’s belief (Thomas, John 20:28).
· My God is the declaration (Micaiah, 1 Kings 22:14).
· My God is the secret vow of consecration (Jacob, Genesis 32:28-30).
· My God is the deepest comfort (Jesus, Matthew 27:46).
· My God is the celebration of victory(Miriam, Exodus 15:21).
Knowing God’s name is coming closer to him, knowing his characteristics, the moods of God, the mercies, punishments. Knowing that He is the God of all seasons, all places – Omni in potency, in science, in presence(Ps. 139).
I will set him on high: “I will place him out of the reach of all his enemies. I will honour and ennoble him, because he hath known my name – because he has loved, honoured, and served me, and rendered me that worship which is my due. He has known me to be the God of infinite mercy and love.” (Clarke)
I will set him on high, out of the reach of trouble, above the stormy region, on a rock above the waves (Isaiah 33:16).
The word “dwell” used in this verse actually means, “to take up permanent residence in.”
He Loves God - God will deliver him(v.14),
The word for "love" used here is a Hebrew term implying delight or longing. The same term is seen in Deuteronomy 7:7 and 10:15 regarding God's approach. This sets a high standard. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" (John 21:16), He used the highest Greek word for love, from the root agapao, a self-sacrificing love.
It is the kind of love God demonstrated by giving His Son as the sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Jesus affirmed that the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Such love for God mirrors His love for His people. The apostle John noted this fact in 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us."
Psalm 91:14 further identifies the person who loves God as one who knows the Lord's name. In other words, he has learned by experience that the Lord is good and perfect in all He is and does. How to Love God, Love is expressed by hugs, kisses, cares, gifts, praises, likes and sacrifices. If you love God, you can do everything for God – giving offertories, expressing his love to others. Living faithful to Him.
