Divine Goodness Celebrated (Ps. 103:1–4)
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DIVINE GOODNESS CELEBRATED
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,” etc. ()
This psalm is unsurpassed; strikingly beautiful and interesting. As a literary composition it is unsurpassed; but, considered as a sacred writing, it has a claim upon our highest and most grateful attention. David evidently excelled in these holy exercises. He breathed a high and heavenly atmosphere, and seemed to have a kindredness of spirit with those who constantly stand before the throne of God, and praise Him incessantly in His temple. Let us notice, in the text,
I. The Mercies Enumerated and II. The Thanks Presented.
I. The Mercies Enumerated and II. The Thanks Presented.
I. The Mercies Enumerated.
I. The Mercies Enumerated.
Among these observe he acknowledges,
A. Benefits bestowed.
A. Benefits bestowed.
The term is of a very general kind, and includes all the divine bounties and favors, whether they relate to the body or soul—to time or eternity. We may classify the divine benefits, as,
Personal: Life, health, food, etc.
Spiritual: The great gift of His Son, gospel ordinances, Word, Spirit, etc.
Now these are “His” benefits. God is the source of all. “Every good and perfect gift,” etc. They are also described as being numerous. “All.” Who can estimate the acts of the divine goodness? They are absolutely innumerable. Hence God is said to load us with benefits; they are pressed down upon and surround us at all times; every morning and evening renewed, etc. He acknowledges,
B. Iniquities forgiven.
B. Iniquities forgiven.
Term signifies aggravated sin. Now several things here demand our attention.
1. We are all chargeable with iniquities; heart, mouth, life, have transgressed, etc.
1. We are all chargeable with iniquities; heart, mouth, life, have transgressed, etc.
2. Our iniquities are many. “All.” How many God only can tell.
2. Our iniquities are many. “All.” How many God only can tell.
3. All these iniquities God forgives. Forgives freely, fully, and forever. Blots them out of His book, etc.
3. All these iniquities God forgives. Forgives freely, fully, and forever. Blots them out of His book, etc.
4. This forgiveness is communicated through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. This forgiveness is communicated through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
C. Diseases healed. “Who healeth all thy diseases.”
C. Diseases healed. “Who healeth all thy diseases.”
Our diseases are of two sorts.
1. Bodily diseases. Sin has sown the seeds of unnumbered diseases in the human frame. Hence they are various, painful, and mortal in their tendency. God often heals these. He has given us medicinal plants and minerals, etc. He blesses the skill of the physician, etc.
1. Bodily diseases. Sin has sown the seeds of unnumbered diseases in the human frame. Hence they are various, painful, and mortal in their tendency. God often heals these. He has given us medicinal plants and minerals, etc. He blesses the skill of the physician, etc.
2. Spiritual diseases. Sin is the great malady of the soul. It has deformed, weakened, and exposed the soul to eternal death. By His word, and Spirit, and the blood of the cross, He heals all our spiritual diseases.
2. Spiritual diseases. Sin is the great malady of the soul. It has deformed, weakened, and exposed the soul to eternal death. By His word, and Spirit, and the blood of the cross, He heals all our spiritual diseases.
D. Redemption from destruction.
D. Redemption from destruction.
That is, deliverance from imminent peril. Israelites from the destroying angel (see ). Lot from Sodom. He bestows,
E. A crown of loving-kindness and tender mercies.
E. A crown of loving-kindness and tender mercies.
Tender mercies; acts of softest and gentlest goodness; kindness full of love and complacency; more tender than that of the fondest mother, etc. (; ).
And these as a crown encircle the soul, elevate and surround us on every side. Such, then, are the mercies which He enumerates. Observe,
II. The Thanks Presented.
II. The Thanks Presented.
A. David blesses God. He extols and celebrates His goodness, rehearses the acts of His mercy, etc.
A. David blesses God. He extols and celebrates His goodness, rehearses the acts of His mercy, etc.
B. He does this with all his soul. His soul enjoyed and appreciated the goodness of God; his heart was deeply affected.
B. He does this with all his soul. His soul enjoyed and appreciated the goodness of God; his heart was deeply affected.
C. He calls upon all within him to join in the work of praise. His understanding, his judgment, his will, yea, all his mental powers and warmest affections were engaged in this exercise.
C. He calls upon all within him to join in the work of praise. His understanding, his judgment, his will, yea, all his mental powers and warmest affections were engaged in this exercise.
D. He purposes a lively remembrance of God’s goodness. “And forget not all His benefits.” He would keep it before his eyes; he would be constantly meditating upon it; morning and evening, and in the night watches, etc. To forget is deeply criminal and ungrateful. If anything can, this will stop the divine supplies, etc.
D. He purposes a lively remembrance of God’s goodness. “And forget not all His benefits.” He would keep it before his eyes; he would be constantly meditating upon it; morning and evening, and in the night watches, etc. To forget is deeply criminal and ungrateful. If anything can, this will stop the divine supplies, etc.
Application:
1. The amazing extent and profusion of the divine goodness.
1. The amazing extent and profusion of the divine goodness.
2. The immense obligations we are under to serve and bless God.
2. The immense obligations we are under to serve and bless God.
Jabez Burns
Jabez Burns, “Divine Goodness Celebrated,” in Sermon Outlines on the Attributes of God, ed. Al Bryant (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1992), 15–16.