Psalm 148:14 He also exalts the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to him… : — I. IN WHAT RESPECTS TRUE BELIEVERS ARE NEAR TO GOD. 1. The awful breach is healed, and they are reconciled. The separating wall of sin is broken down, and they have boldness and access with confidence to Him who would otherwise be a consuming fire. 2. The power of sin is subdued, and they are near as to union and likeness. Nearness, as to the former, is by the blood of Christ: the latter is by the influences of the Holy Spirit. 3. They are near as to communion and fellowship. Jacob had his Bethel, David his hill Mizar, and Paul, though sometimes pressed out of measure, had also his raptures in the third heavens (Isaiah 12:1). 4. They are near to Him in a way of endearment, being precious in His sight. They are near to His heart, and to His eye, and His ear is open to their complaints. 5. They are so near to Him that they will soon be with Him — at home, and at rest. Faith gives you an interest in the Divine favour, and death will bring you to the full enjoyment of it. Your warfare shall be accomplished, and the victory complete. II. THE REASONS WHY THIS NEARNESS IS MATTER OF EXULTATION AND JOY. 1. This nearness is lasting: those who are thus brought near to God shall be for ever near. 2. Those who are near to God have God also near to them. He will guide, protect, and comfort His people amidst all their difficulties and dangers. 3. They have blessings and privileges which none else can enjoy. They may hear from Him, and He from them; may contemplate His glorious majesty, and commune with Him, as it were, face to face. 4. Being near to God, they are also near to heaven. Improvement — (1) How vain are all our hopes of happiness without God (Psalm 73:27). (2) Let us be reconciled to those providences which tend to bring us near. The severest trials are often among the means which God employs to bring us to Himself. (3) Let nearness to God be the object sought after in every holy duty, both public and private. We may as well be in Geshur as at Jerusalem, unless we see the King's face. (4) Not only let us desire to be brought near in a way of interest, but to keep near in a way of communion. This will soften afflictions, heighten our mercies, fortify us against the fear of death, and be our best preparative for heaven. (5) If the Lord's people be near and dear to Him, let them be so to us. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD. |
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