Blessed is He Who Has God Psalm 146

Praise the Lord (1-2) Hallelujah O my soul, with all my being – cf. Luke 10:27 – not half-hearted While I live – a lifetime commitment Revelation 14:13 I will sing praises – through worship, often publicly John 4:24

Failed trust (3-4) Do not trust in princes – leaders, or those in power - Psalm 118:8-9 In worldly affairs, we often turn to leaders for help – both diplomatically and in business But man can disappoint and often does Israel and Judah both trusted in men at times – Solomon 1 Kings 11:1-13, Isaiah 30:1-2, 2 Chronicles 16:7 – Asa, Jeremiah 17:5, etc.

Failed trust (3-4) Do not trust in princes How many today put their trust in men and their ways while rejecting God? Don’t trust in uncertain riches – 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Corinthians 2:5

Failed trust (3-4) Do not trust in princes Why? Because all men die, Ecclesiastes 12:7 Hebrews 9:27, James 4:14 1 John 2:15-17 With men there will always be uncertainties and unknowns

The God of Jacob (5-10) The psalmist declares faith in the ONE true God Consider this in light of the multiple gods and idolatry of surrounding nations He is the LORD (YHWH) God – declared by name (God of Israel) He is the ONLY true God, John 17:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:9

The God of Jacob (5-10) God is a helper – one to whom we can turn! We need to believe in someone who cares and can help us. He is a God of hope – Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:3 Why? 1 John 4:4, John 16:33

The God of Jacob (5-10) God is Creator – He made heaven and earth, sea and all that is in them The ONLY Creator – He made all Psalm 19:1-6, Acts 14:17, Romans 1:20, Acts 4:24 – a prayer Why the God of Jacob? Why trust YHWH instead of other gods?

The God of Jacob (5-10) He keeps His truth forever (6) He makes promises and keeps them Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:29 – He cannot lie! Depending upon when this psalm was written, there were many proofs that He keeps His word – from the promise to Abraham, delivery from Egypt, miracles…

The God of Jacob (5-10) A God of justice for the oppressed (7) He cares and takes note of those whom others (such as princes, elitists) reject or ignore He is just – Romans 3:26, 8:33 We too ought to care for the needy Matthew 25:31-46, 10:42, James 1:27 One of Israel’s failures was neglect of the poor – Isaiah 10:1-2 cf. Matthew 23:14

The God of Jacob (5-10) He give freedom to the prisoners (7) Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:17-19 - Jesus quoted this verse of Himself On more than one occasion, God provided freedom (liberty) to Israel. Our ultimate freedom - freedom from sin - Romans 6:18

The God of Jacob (5-10) Demonstrated by His works (8) He opens eyes of the blind, raises the bowed down. Who knows what miracles were performed from time to time in Israel? (Elijah, Elisha, prophets, etc.) Jesus DID – John 9:32-33, Matthew 11:5, etc. Could this psalm be Messianic?

The God of Jacob (5-10) The LORD loves the righteous (8) He knows those who belong to Him – John 14:21-23 2 Timothy 2:19, “The Lord knows those who are His”

The God of Jacob (5-10) He watches over strangers and relieves the fatherless and widow (9) Again, we see His compassion.

The God of Jacob (5-10) He turns the way of the wicked upside down (9) Again, Israel’s history demonstrates this – deliverance from Egypt, Sennacherib (Isaiah 37), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4), Israel and Judah’s punishment What about today? He is still in control!

The God of Jacob (5-10) The LORD shall reign forever (10) Worldly kingdoms will come and go, but God’s word will remain! Revelation 11:15, the kingdoms of the world have become the kingdoms of the Lord…He shall reign forever 2 Peter 1:11, an everlasting kingdom

Where are you putting your trust?