1. We recently examined this psalm in our Wednesday evening Bible study. 2. In this psalm David reflected upon an occasion when God helped Israel. 3. David's conclusion was: "If God had not been on the side of His people, they would have been overwhelmed." 4. The message presented in Psalm 124 seems to be especially appropriate for 2 anniversaries we are observing. a. Yesterday marked 20 years since the terrorist attack on our country. b. Next week marks 10 years since we first met as a congregation. 5. In our lesson we are examining 3 occasions when the Lord helped His people. 6. Let us gain the confidence that David expressed in vs.8 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord." Discussion: I. THE LORD HELPED HIS PEOPLE BY SAVING THEM FROM THE EGYPTIANS
A. (Exodus 14:10-14) The Israelites were afraid when the Egyptians approached them. B. (Exodus 14:26-31) The Egyptians were destroyed in the Red Sea. C. Moses and the Israelites sang a song after God saved them (Exodus 15:1-2). II. THE LORD HELPED HIS PEOPLE BY SAVING THEM FROM THE CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON
A. (2 Chronicles 36:18-20) The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and took the Israelites into captivity. B. (Ezra 1:1-3) God sent Cyrus, the king of Persia, to conquer Babylon, and he allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland. C. (Psalm 126:1-3) The Israelites were very happy after God saved them. III. THE LORD HELPED HIS PEOPLE BY SAVING THEM FROM HAMAN
A. Haman devised a plan for destroying the Jews (Esther 3:5-6, 13). B. God had allowed Esther, a young Jewish woman, to become queen of Persia, and she identified Haman as the enemy of her people. C. Haman was hanged (Esther 7:10). D. (Esther 8-9) The Jews were allowed to defend themselves against their enemies. E. The Jews rejoiced with a feast after God saved them (Esther 9:17-19). Conclusion:
1. Let us make a practice of reflecting upon occasions when the Lord helped His people. 2. When we need help, let us approach the Lord with confidence as we are instructed in Hebrews 4:16. 3. Let us always remember: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
