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Sunday, May 18, 2008 pm

A CRY OF THE FAITHFUL

PSALM 44

Tonight we study another psalm. This one is attributed, like the last 2 as “A contemplation of the sons of Asaph.” While in the last 2 psalms, we still attributed them to David because of their content, this one seems to be at a later period. We do not know the specifics of who or when this was written.

This moderate length psalm begins with reflections of the Lord’s past blessings (1-8), then observation of their present oppressive state (9-16), followed by the cry of the remnant (17-26). Let us notice this psalm and some lessons

I. I. In times past (1-8)

a. We have heard with our ears (1).
How did they learn about the past? Through the teaching of their parents. Success and failure in Israel can often be traced to the teaching of the generation before. An example is Exodus 12:24-27 where they were to explain the Passover to their children.
Psalm 78:1-4 also describes the need for this.

b. Nations driven out by Him (2-3) and He planted His own people.

i. He drove out the heathen – Deut. 7:1, Josh 11:23

ii. It was done w/o sword but with the power of God. Josh. 24:12 he noted that God sent the hornet and not the sword. It think of events like the destruction of Jericho, the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, causing the sun to stand still (Josh. 10), and later when Assyria besieged Jerusalem under the reign of Hezekiah.
Never underestimate the power of God.

iii. Lesson: The past is there for us to learn from! Romans 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:6-11

c. (4-8) Because of what God has accomplished in the past, we can have confidence in His ability now! Faith is the victory – 1 John 5:8.
We can overcome the enemy – 1 Cor. 10:13. Also see Phil. 4:13

d. In Him we will boast all day long (8).
NEVER forget to thank God and proclaim His goodness to others when you have been blessed! Matthew 10:32-33. 1 Cor. 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

II. II. Their present state (9-16)

a. 9-16 - These verses describe the continual oppressions and troubling times we read of throughout the history of Israel. God did cast them off more than once, but WHY? It was always and ONLY because His own people had cast Him off. In reality, it was chastening by Him to bring them back. Sometimes it worked, but at other times it did not – BECAUSE the people rebelled.

b. The ultimate reason behind their rejection: SIN! We must continually remind ourselves of the consequences of sin – it will separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2, Jer. 5:25, Prov. 15:29, Rom. 8:7 - enmity), brings about death (Romans 6:23) and will destroy us.

c. Vs. 12 here is interesting as it describes what we worth are to God when we live in sin and rebellion – next to nothing! God can’t even sell us and get anything worthwhile for it.

d. The dept of His wrath – we are a reproach, a byword among nations and shaking of the head, dishonored and shamed.

III. III. The cry of the faithful (17-26)

a. But we have not forgotten You – obviously, this was a remnant, as the rest of nation was being punished. This was always the case. Even in the worst of times there were godly men and women who stayed the faithful course. Don’t forget the comfort of Elijah when he was discouraged – 1 Kings 19:18, etc.

b. The righteous described (17-18)

i. Don’t forget God – more than once, Israel was warned to beware lest they forget their God (Deut. 6:12, 8:14, Jer. 2:32, Isaiah 17:10, etc.). Heb. 2:1-3 tells us to give the more earnest heed (remember) what you have heard lest you drift away. Don’t neglect your salvation!

ii. Deal truthfully with His covenant – covenants are important. They are binding agreements entered into seriously. When we marry we enter into a covenant. When we obey the gospel we enter into a covenant with God. Don’t neglect it! Eccl. 5:4-5 – pay your vows to God.
How many today try to dismiss their spiritual obligations when things become difficult?

iii. Have loyal hearts – they have remained loyal to God throughout all.
Deep down, they still trusted and believed in God. Perhaps one of the most powerful examples of this would be Job after he lost it all – he still would nor curse God.
Matthew 6:24 speaks of not serving 2 masters – we must be loyal to one or the other. Are we loyal to God at all times?

iv. Keep in His path – not the broad path that leads to destruction, but the straight and narrow way that leads to life everlasting – Matthew 7:14

c. Yet they are suffering along with the wicked (19). A lesson in consequences! The righteous sometimes suffer along with the wicked, and sometimes as a result of them.

d. A realization of their destiny if they turned to foreign gods (20-22). What kept them on the right path? A realization of God’s omnipresence – Heb. 4:13 and omnipotence.
Romans 8:36 quotes vs. 22 which notes “we are killed all day long” along with the wicked. But the context of Romans 8 is interesting noting that with God on our side, there is nothing man can do to totally stop us. Vs. 37 notes that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Furthermore, NOTHING can separate us from His love – Vs. 35.

e. The remnant CALL to God – 23-26
Like so many of the psalms, it concludes with a call to God for deliverance and mercy.

f. Redeemed for the sake of His mercy (26)

Why could they make such a request as the way this psalm concludes? Because God can redeem us! What about you? It is no secret we live in an ungodly world and it seems as if God’s vengeance is near or even already at hand. Do you trust God to redeem you? Have you obeyed His gospel? That is were redemption begins.