Today’s lesson comes from Psalms 127 and 128. A key to having a happy home is that each member of the family is living in harmony with the laws of God. I remember my mentor Rev. Herbert Norton and the Christian boarding house he managed. There were certain rules for the guests that included both spiritual and physical considerations. The house ran smoothly because the rules were followed. In the same way, when we follow God’s rules, we will have a happy home. The Scripture does give clear instruction regarding the responsibilities of the husband, the wife, and the children.
Psalm 127vis the second psalm in the third trilogy of the “Songs of Going Up.” (See last week’s lesson)The first portion (vv. 1,2) deals with the dwelling place of man, and the remaining portion with the gift of children (vv. 3-5) in Psalm 128, we find the blessed condition of a man who fears the Lord. He has a happy home (vv. 1-3) and a long life (vv. 4-6). Putting the two psalms together gives us some key characteristics of a happy home.
Psalm 127
In Hebrew, the first verse could be translated: “If the LORD does not build the house, in vain labor its builders in it; if the LORD does not keep the city, in vain stays awake the keeper.” Our human efforts only succeed by divine blessings. We are successful when we are dependent upon God for strength, health, wisdom, providential care, and safety. In Deuteronomy 28, there is a list of blessings and curses. The obedient get blessings and the disobedient get curses.
To “build the house” involved more than creating a physical structure. To raise a family without the direction of God will end in disappointment. The only sure way to proceed is to follow the Word of God. As Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he was careful to arm the laborers. Yet, though armed, he constantly sought God in prayer. To be secure, our human efforts are to be paired with God’s laws to bring about a safe and happy home.
Verse two addresses the futility of the individual whose life is wrapped up in acquiring material wealth. This verse is a reproof against seeking the world and material gain to the point of physical and spiritual harm. It condemns earthly pursuits apart from God. While God does not bless a “do nothing, welfare mentality,” He does not want us to live out of balance. He must be first in our hearts and efforts.
The first two words of verse four could be translated as, “Sons are a gift of the Eternal.” They are a heritage or inheritance from God. Our children belong to Him and are given to us as a trust. The sin of abortion murders the children of the Lord that have been entrusted to the parents. Children are not a bother nor an encumbrance. They are the “fruit of the womb,” a reward, a blessing and favor from God. Happy is the person with many children. They will be strong spiritually and physically as the parents grow old.
Who is really rich? Is it the person with lots of money and no children or the poor man with a happy family? Which person is truly blessed? Who has the greatest treasures?
Psalm 128
The last verse of Psalm 127 begins, "Happy is the man." The first verse of Psalm 128 begins with, "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD." The person who orders his life in accordance with God's commands will be blessed indeed. Since God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34), this is promise is available to everyone. This is the practical side of Christianity. In contrast to those who "labor in vain," the man who fears the Lord will enjoy the fruit of the labor of his hands. This is a general promise regarding the prosperity which our religion affords.There is happiness and reward in labor. Work is not bad, in fact it can be seen as a gift. The person who fears the Lord, walks in His ways, and is industrious, will enjoy the blessing of God.
Verse three states that thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine. In Palestine, the vine was a symbol of fruitfulness and beauty. In the same way, the faithful wife is a blessing to her husband and her children. She is fruitful in good works, kindness, thrift, helpfulness, affection, consolidation, and comfort. The phrase "by the sides of thine house" can also be s "within thine house."
God had promised Abraham that his seed would be as the stars of heaven and the sands of the seas. (Genesis 15:5) In this psalm, children are pictured as olive plants. Shoots of new growth spring up from the parent tree, perpetuating its life, and eventually producing the fruit which it can no longer bear. Thus, the children hold the promise of future blessing.
All the above circumstances illustrate that the man who fears the Lord is blessed of the Lord. He enjoys the fruit of his labor, his faithful wife, and a bright future with his children. Obedience brings many blessings and we should never allow disobedience to slip in and destroy the blessings God has for us.
The name Zion in verse 5 was originally applied to the fortress area which David captured from the Jebusites. When Solomon built the temple to the north of the area, the entire section became known as Zion. The temple area is now included in the term Zion. The Lord's blessings would come from His presence. Today, when we attend church we are blessed by His presence. There will be stability and prosperity in Jerusalem and we will share in His blessings as well.
"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." The man who fears God will not only enjoy a wonderful home life, a secure dwelling, and blessed times of worship, but he will also enjoy an extended posterity through his children and grandchildren.
The psalm concludes with the words, "Peace upon Israel." The phrase is often used as a closing benediction--"May God bless His people."God's cause will prosper and triumph. Such should be the prayer of all who fear the Lord and enjoy God's blessings.
The Golden Text is: "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children." (Psalm 103: 17) God's mercy is better than life, for it will outlive it. First, to their souls, which are immortal; to them the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Second, to their seed, which shall be kept up to the end of time. (Matthew Henry)
My summary points:
1. The person who is truly rich is the one who walks in obedience to all the light God has given him.
2. Disobedience brings curses and misfortune.
3. What you choose impacts your children and grandchildren.
Next week's lesson: Search Me, O God. (Psalm 139: 1-14; 23, 24)
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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