Sunday School Lesson Continual Proclamation
July 14, 2024 Psalm 71: 12-21
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3: 20-21).
In the book of Lamentations, we can read the account of the devastation and suffering in Jerusalem because of the Babylonian invasion. People were killed and taken captive, and Solomon’s Temple was destroyed. All the promises God made to Israel about a King who would come from the line of David, a prophet coming who would be greater than Moses, and one who would return the people to their own land, appeared to be forgotten. The faithful followers of God wonder if God, who would be justified in doing so, had left them completely because of their sin. Was He finished with them? Had they gone too far? There are grave consequences for turning away from God. We have the scriptures today to warn us of another great judgment coming. Many today would scoff in disbelief if they heard punishment was coming from God, exactly the same way the Kingdom of Judah did before their beloved city fell. The Bible tells of a time yet to come, of great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21). Jesus said this Himself, and we can trust that it's true. It will happen.
When we hear this, we could become disheartened, stop believing, or simply give up. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the failure and the sin we see in the culture around us. Or, instead, we can choose to grow in our personal knowledge of God, to mature in faith, and to be strengthened by hope in His promises, which He never forgets. Psalm 71 is one of many Psalms that openly questions the works of God and exhibits man’s fear. It also points out the truth of God and why He can be trusted. The author of this particular Psalm is unknown.
Lament Psalms are similar to Jeremiah’s book of Lamentations. Even in despair and confusion about what is happening around us, we can turn our hearts toward God. Through prayer and clinging to the faithful, unchanging love of God, we can not only survive but thrive in unimaginable circumstances. God’s mercy endures forever. Lift up your head as we study. There may be some rough waters ahead. Your Father wants to speak to you through this song of lament. Be encouraged. Renew your commitment, strengthen your faith, and find the Hope that is in God. Let’s dig in!
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Isn’t this always the first cry- Lord, are you there? Can you help me? We know the promises of God are true. God knows our need before we even cry for help (Matthew 6:8). Don’t wonder if He is near - rest in the knowledge He is. Learn as He proves himself time and time again. He is faithful, and He cannot lie. Mature in your faith and be reassured by the Truth of His Word.
Encourage yourself with confidence in His closeness and His readiness to help.
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalm 9:9-10).
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5).
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (Psalm 34:15).
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
The wicked do not prosper for long. They may get by for a while, but consider their end! They sure can be adversaries in the here and now, though! An adversary to your soul is dragging you away from, not toward God. God does not desire that any should perish. He would like to see even these adversaries approach Him with a humble and contrite spirit. Renew your hope by obedience. Pray for your enemies. Prayer is a powerful weapon that the enemies cannot control. But you can!
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matthew 5: 43-46).
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11: 25-26).
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
Praise Him! Speak of His goodness. Tell of His mercies and grace. One of the best places to practice is in your local church, but the message has to reach outside its walls. The community that God set up to support each other in need, to teach, to learn, and to share the testimonies of praise is a starting place. The true believer has consistency wherever he is found. Go in strength because, as this verse says, you really don’t know how many days you will be given. We don’t get to stay here forever. While you are here, make it count! The longer you live, the more praise you can give. Praise is all about Him. Be ready for heaven as if he is coming back tomorrow. Work to bring people to Him as if he isn’t coming back in your lifetime. Hope continually!
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7).
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.(Phillipians 4:8).
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Is there a place to quit or an age where we can say enough is enough? Can you retire from being a Christian? What do you know now that you didn’t know as a youth? Life can be hard. People can be adversaries in disguise. We are tempted, we covet, we lie. The right thing isn’t always the most fun thing. We are peculiar. As Christians, we don’t fit the cultural crowd. But Oh, the wondrous works we are privileged to see.
We know our worth is not dependent on anything other than on God’s appraisal. He allowed His son to suffer and die on a cross to restore our relationship with Him. We understand why we are here. The scriptures are God breathed and tell us where we came from and who holds all things together. Babies born, marriages restored, illnesses healed, peace of mind granted, self-control given, salvation received, too many blessings to count. We are here to glorify God and bring praise to the name of Jesus Christ. We share stories to brag on God. Teach those around you of His goodness! Will He disregard us now that we are old? Not for a minute!
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:32).
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. (Proverbs 16:31).
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.(1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. ( 1 Timothy 5:17).
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
His ways are higher than our ways, and He is past all of our understanding. He has done great things in each of our lives. In times of lament, think on those things and find your foundation! There is no one like our God. There simply is none else. He never changes. He is with us in misery. He is with us in the day to day. He is with us in times of praise. It is He Who showed us how to conquer death. Because He lives, we can live also. He alone knows what we need. He always disciplines us in love. He is a Good Father. He comforts us on every side and protects us from ourselves- more often than we recognize or would like to admit. He hedges us about with mercy and grace. He is righteous. That’s our God!
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8).
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:39).
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!