TRUE RICHES

 

We are once again looking at Ps 112, in our summer with the Psalms.  It has been an exciting journey.  Ezra, who is the writer of Psalm 111 and 112, has a goal, mission and aim.  He wants to reacquaint his readers and audience with God and our relationship with Him.  Ezra has used an acrostic form of Psalm which is using the Hebrew Alphabet with q corresponding truth about God.  Psalm 111, was about who God is and 112 is how we need to respond and the promises given to those who do what the writer of Hebrew 11:6 says, “God is the rewarder of them who diligent seek Him.”  Today we will look fourth more truths about God as revealed in this psalm.  

 

1.      Wealth and riches are in their houses.  Ezra says the blessing of God, His wealth and riches will be in their house.  We often attached riches to material possessions and that can happen but true riches are righteousness, love, mercy, grace, kindness, patience, peace, forgiveness, truth, honesty integrity, acceptance and joy.

 

a.      I do believe in prosperity and health but as 3 John 2, describes it.  Health and prosperity that comes from a soul that prospers.  The problem today is so many preachers make this about material wealth which can be taken, ruined and lose its value.  The reality is the more stuff you have the greater care it takes.  Talk about when we were moving.  I spent 30 years building a library no one wants.   

b.      Antiquities, is big business because people thought they could take it with them.  Hollywood has proven over and over the folly of riches.  Jesus says seek treasures from above.  Salvation is the greatest treasure of.  Jesus said seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added.

c.      Ezra says wealth and riches are in the home.  This is a good spouse, godly children, love for prayer, the word, worship and the house of God.  You value these and you are rich beyond measure.  If God gives you wealth and material riches that is a bonus which are to be used for the benefit of others.  In God’s economy material possession is about others not ourselves. When we do things for others we are doing it to Him.

 

 

2.      And their righteousness endures forever.  When we talk about righteousness we are talking about a communicated attribute of God that guides ethical conduct.  In essence you want to do the will of the Father.  You are right with God and people around you.  You are doing what God wants.  You are holy, loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.

 

a.      This is also something you pass onto others and your children by you example.  This is what we talked about last week.  This is a promise of godly legacy.

b.      It is your testimony long after you are gone when people think and talk about you.  Your influence will be felt long after you leave this world.  Daniel, David, Paul, Peter and Esther are examples. 

c.      How we live and what we does matter.  I want people to remember me as a person they were glad to know not wished they never knew me.  When you focus and center your life on the Lord this is a wonderful promise.  Talk about Mary and Jennifer Rice.

 

3.      Even in darkness light dawns for the upright.  When the darkness of hurt, bitterness, offense, misunderstanding, sorrow, discouragement, fear, pain, anxiety and overwhelming burdens comes there is light.  Remember sorrow is for a night but joy comes in the morning. 

 

a.      The mercies of God are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.  The light of God has come and His name his Jesus Christ.  By His death, burial and resurrection He has defeated death, hell and the grave.  His broken body brings healing and His shed blood brings salvation nd friendship with God. 

b.      The light of Jesus comes back motivates us daily to serve the Lord.  To go and tell others about Him and to love, accept and forgive unconditionally.  The upright will always stand.  Even though you fall down seven times you will get up eight.  I love a FB quote.  Rule One, “Never give up,” Rule Two, “Remember rule one.”  Even in the darkest times there is light coming. 

c.      Our responsibility is to reflect the light.  Like the moon reflects the sun so we reflect the Son of God.  As the upright we have the light in us.  John Wesley said, He wanted to a match to light a fire of revival in His world.  Our prayers do that.  This dark world needs light and we provide that through Jesus Christ.  Again we are talking about the power of influence.

 

4.      For those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  Your light will shine when you are first gracious.  Courteous, kind, pleasant, courteous, polite, civil, chivalrous, well mannered,

merciful, forgiving, compassionate and lenient.  Being a gentlemen or lady is making people feel as comfortable around you as possible.  Good conduct is always in fashion.

 

a.      Compassionate.  Showing sympathy and concern for others.  Empathetic, understanding, caring

and concern.  This is showing love in a tangible way.  Love is never true love unless it is shown.  Jesus had compassion on the crowd because he saw them as sheep without a shepherd.  Compassion is a communicated attribute of God that moves us to help others. 

b.      Righteous.  It is a person whose conduct morally right or justifiable; virtuous, good, decent and ethical.  It also means that you chose to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ by faith.  You are declared righteousness because of the free gift of God. 

c.      Today I encourage you to pursue true riches, claim a promise of legacy, be a light and walk in grace, compassion and righteousness.