Psalms 102:13-22 - Homiletics

God's care for his people (Christ's care for his Church).

The psalm passes from the individual to the nation or the society, and we have an earnest, effectual appeal for Divine pity and restoration. Primarily applicable to the ancient people of God, it applies as well to the recurring necessities of the Christian Church. We have—

I. THE COMMUNITY ( THE CHURCH ) IN SORE DISTRESS . It is in a position to receive the mercy— the pity and the redemption of the Lord ( Psalms 102:13 ). Its state is one of destitution ( Psalms 102:17 ); it is brought very low, is naked, is helpless.

II. ITS APPEAL TO THE DIVINE SAVIOUR . We are weak and powerless, "but thou, O Lord, shalt endure forever" ( Psalms 102:12 ); thou art the Eternal and the Almighty One; "thou canst save, and thou canst heal." When the captain and the crew have done their utmost, and shipwreck seems inevitable, they can and they do "cry unto the Lord" ( Psalms 107:1-43 .). Man's extremity is God's opportunity. When from every human point of view the case is hopeless, then all hearts turn their thought to heaven, thou every voice is raised in earnest supplication. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

III. THE GROUNDS OF ITS APPEAL .

1 . The duration of its distress. Has not the time fully come for God's favour ( Psalms 102:13 )? Zion must have endured her appointed time of tribulation (see Psalms 90:13-17 ).

2 . The disinterested attachment of its friends (the disciples of the Lord) ( Psalms 102:14 ). Its very ruins are dear to them; they cleave to it in its extremity.

3 . The spiritual well being of those outside its borders ( Psalms 102:15 ). Let Zion be exalted, and then those who are now either indifferent or hostile will be gained; in their hearts will be planted the fear of the Lord, the love of Jesus Christ.

4 . The glory of God, the hallowing of his Name, the exaltation of the Redeemer ( Psalms 102:16 , Psalms 102:21 , Psalms 102:22 ).

5 . The character of the pitiful Father. To regard the destitute, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to save from death,—is that not just what his people may rightly ask of the benignant and compassionate Saviour? Our heavenly Father is never nearer to us, or likelier to hear and help us, than when our hour is darkest and our hearts are saddest.

IV. ITS LASTING ISSUE . ( Psalms 102:18 .) The interposition of God, and his redeeming grace, will not only command the wondering attention of the living; it will go down to the generations yet unborn, and those who "will be created" in distant days will believe and praise.