Text: Psalm 107
In this psalm, the psalmist praised God for His mercy. He invites us to “consider the lovingkindnesses [mercy] of the Lord” (v. 43), and gives examples. It is good for us to consider these. There are lessons for us to learn in these examples.
Acknowledging God’s Mercy
- Give thanks to the Lord (v. 1) – recognize that His mercy is “everlasting”
- This is the response of “the redeemed” (v. 2) – they have been delivered by the Lord
- His mercy has been shown in the “four corners of the earth” (v. 3)
- It is wise for us to consider this (v. 43)
Examples of God’s Mercy
- It is unclear what specific examples the psalmist is referring to – but we do see examples in the Bible that fit
- Those in the wilderness (v. 4-9) – they were hungry and thirsty; they cried out to God; He led them to an inhabited city
- Example – God brought the Israelites from the wilderness to the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1, 6-7)
- Lesson – the Lord has a place in heaven prepared for us (John 14:1-3)
- Those in bondage (v. 10-16) – they rebelled against God and were humbled by labor; they cried out to God; He delivered them from bondage
- Example – God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 7:8-9; 4:37)
- Lesson – Jesus came to set us free from sin (John 8:34, 36)
- Those who suffer for their sin (v. 17-22) – they foolishly rebelled against God and suffered the consequences; they cried out to God; He sent His word and healed them
- Example – God delivered the people of Judah from Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 29:10-14)
- Lesson – We suffer even in this life because of our sin (Proverbs 13:15); freedom comes by following His word (John 8:31-32)
- Those on the sea (v. 23-31) – they were threatened by storms; they cried out to God; He calmed the storm and brought them to their destination
- Example – Jesus calmed the storm in the boat with His disciples (Matthew 8:23-27)
- Lesson – remember that the Lord is over all things (Colossians 1:16-18); this should lead us to obedience
Reminder of God’s Power
- Changes rivers into a wilderness (v. 33-34) – earthly prosperity is temporary (1 Timothy 6:17)
- Changes a wilderness into a pool of water (v. 35-38) – blessings come from God (James 1:17)
- Afflicts the oppressor (v. 39-40) – He is greater than any earthly ruler (Ephesians 1:20-23)
- Helps the needy (v. 41-42) – He is concerned for the poor; enables them to be heirs (James 2:5)
Lessons for Us
- Redemption is only possible because of God’s mercy (1 Peter 1:3-4)
- Whatever our sin, we can be saved (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
- God’s word shows us the way of redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19, 23-25)
- We need to remember this continually (2 Peter 1:12-15)
Conclusion
- Consider the mercy of the Lord – it is available to all; without it, no one could be saved
- The Bible is filled with examples of God’s mercy – this shows that we can put our trust in Him
- Let us take advantage of His mercy and obey the gospel so that we can be saved
