The Lord's Presence Is a Special Blessing (Psalm 124)
Introduction:
1. In this Psalm David showed how his people had been blessed because the Lord was on Israel's side. a. The Lord prevented the Israelites from being overwhelmed by their enemies. b. The Lord provided protection and deliverance for His people. c. David concluded in vs.8 with a great statement about the Lord's help. 2. Today we are focusing our attention on David's descendant, the Lord Jesus. 3. In our lesson we are emphasizing how "the Lord's presence is a special blessing." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. JESUS PROMISED TO BE WITH HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Jesus made this promise in His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). B. Jesus said He would "always" be with His followers. C. According to Matthew 18:20, Jesus is with those who gather together in His name. II. THE LORD'S FOLLOWERS ARE BLESSED BY HIS PRESENCE IN VARIOUS WAYS
A. Jesus is our "mediator" (1 Timothy 2:5). 1. A mediator is a go-between, one who makes peace between 2 parties. 2. To illustrate, Moses mediated between Israel and God (Exodus 32:7-14). 3. Jesus is the "one mediator between God and men." B. Jesus is our "intercessor" (Romans 8:34). 1. An intercessor is one who makes a petition on behalf of someone else. 2. According to Hebrews 7:25, Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession" for those who "come unto God by Him." C. Jesus is our "High Priest" (Hebrews 3:1). 1. One of the main functions of the High Priest is to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people (Hebrews 8:3). 2. Jesus offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27; 10:11-14). 3. As a great and sympathetic High Priest, Jesus provides special blessings to His followers (Hebrews 4:14-16). D. Jesus is our "advocate" [a counselor, one who pleads a case on behalf of someone else] (1 John 2:1-2; Isaiah 9:6). III. TWO OF THE LORD'S GREAT SERVANTS SHOWED HOW HE IS WITH HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Stephen knew that Jesus was with him when he was killed (Acts 7:54-60). B. Paul knew that Jesus was with him when he was in prison (2 Timothy 4:16-18). Conclusion:
1. "The Lord's presence is a special blessing." 2. His presence is dependable -- He will not leave or forsake His followers (Hebrews 13:5-6). 3. Let us develop the confidence that David had in Psalm 124:8 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
