RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-07-07	Precious In The Sight of the Lord Is The Death of His Saints (Ps.116:15)
		Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints. This is a personal “thank you” to the Lord for saving the Psalmist from death (v.3, 8) While this appears to deal with physical death, the same song could be sung by those who have been saved from spiritual death. The Psalmist knows God cares for him especially in matters of life and death. Taken out of context, some have concluded perhaps God delighted, or finds satisfaction, when His followers die. The psalmist's near escape from death shows that God cares for the life of His servants (v.17). The language of “death surrounding me” and the “pangs of Sheol laid hold of me” (v.3) is similar to Jonah's prayer in the great fish (Jh.2:2-3). In response to God's goodness, the psalmist promises to praise God for His compassion and vows to serve Him faithfully. The word translated “precious” means “of high worth, or cost.” The Hebrew word “saints” refers to the Lord's faithful followers. These have committed themselves to strengthen their relationship with God. When the psalmist says “Precious in the sight” he reveals that God is not indifferent about how and when His servants die. Just as our LIVES are precious to Him (Ps.72:14), so is the ENDING of our lives. If it is not our appointed time to die, the Lord will hasten to protect us. Psa 68:20 Our God is the God of salvation; And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death. The moment and circumstances of our death will not take God by surprise (Ps.139:16). The Lord knows how, when, and where we will die. He cares deeply about every circumstance we face, and especially the crucial moment of our death. Speaking of the people of Israel, the prophet Zechariah says, “he who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zc.2:8). Paul's confidence is that God will keep us alive until our work for Him is done (Ph.1:22-25). Jesus trusted that no harm would come to Him until the hour of God's choosing has come (Jn.7:30; 8:20). When the psalmist was fighting for his life when “death surrounded me,” his prayer got God's attention. 1Pe 3:12 FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN TO THEIR PRAYERS; BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." Our lives and our deaths are matters of deep concern for God. God is so responsive that you can always reach him. He bends down and listens to your voice. If you are discouraged, remember that God is near, listening carefully to every prayer and answering each one to give you, his best. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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