Sermon Snippet – The Helper of the Helpless
INTRODUCTION – Psalm 121 is a most comforting passage of Scripture. It was sung by pilgrims going to Jerusalem for the holy observances of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (the three primary feasts of the Jewish religious calendar). It presents the picture of a believer ascending to Jerusalem to worship. He is doing the right thing, yet it is not an easy way to travel. I have often said that doing the right thing is its own reward – and sometimes it seems to be the only reward. However, God is good, as this Psalm affirms. We can trust in Him.
1. THE HILLS CHILL US WITH FEAR
The King James Version could be misunderstood in verse 1, for the hills were not a place of haven for the pilgrim but a haunt of thieves. The parable of the Good Samaritan would have been unfortunately relatable to the people of Jesus’ day, for violent robbers roamed the desolate stretches of roads – sometimes with murderous intent. “What might happen?” is a question that can quickly surface in our minds. One of the reasons that our current culture is in crisis is that it has made almost everything into a crisis. The use of fear as a propaganda tool is nothing new, but the repressive regime ruling now is hysterical, as well as hypocritical. The resulting explosion of mental illness is one tragic and totally predictable outcome. Even without such pervasive manipulation, though, we are susceptible to fear. As our families expand, each generation brings us joy – and concerns about possible pitfalls. The Psalmist understood us, and we understand him.
2. THE HEAT BEATS DOWN UPON US
The journey to Jerusalem would have included searing, dangerous heat at times (verses 4-5). The lack of shade increased the chances of exposure and exhaustion. The pilgrim had no control over the temperature (nor over the timing of the required holy feasts). We recognize that there are many circumstances on which we have no impact (for example, this week’s power outage). We can feel powerless and can succumb to a form of fatalism. The Psalmist shows us a much more efficacious approach to this profound problem, for…
3. THE HELPER IS ALWAYS WITH US
“My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (verse 2), says the pilgrim. The verbs used in this Psalm are ones of comforting certainty: God “keeps” us and will always “preserve” us. Verses 3 and 4 focus on the fact that God never sleeps. We are at our most vulnerable when we are asleep; we can do nothing to defend ourselves then. As we prepare to sleep (not right now, I hope), it is good to remember that our Lord is ever awake and alert and aware of our needs. “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so He giveth His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:3). He is our Helper in all situations.
CONCLUSION – Earlier, we considered the modern infatuation with crisis. Another reason for this pernicious preoccupation is the avoidance of the one genuine crisis that each of us must face – the spiritual one. The reality of hell – everlasting separation from God assuredly qualifies as a crisis. It is one that can be dealt with today through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ. Verse 8 then places us securely in the embrace of this Savior “from this time forth, and even forevermore.”