Promises for the Righteous
There are wonderful promises for those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness: Psalm 92 describes people who allow themselves to be built into a church, who will shoot root and bear fruit. "Flourish like the palm tree… grow like the cedar…"
Promises for the Righteous
By Apostle Aje Pelser, preached at Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town.
6th July 2008
Scripture:
Psalm 92
The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible.]
Planted in the house of the Lord they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the ] verdure [of trust, love and contentment].
[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to all His promises; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Amplified Version of the Bible.
Here are the Promises:
Flourish like the Palm Tree
ISBE Article quote: “Palm Branches:
Branches of palms have been symbolically associated with several different ideas. A palm branch is used in Isa_9:14; Isa_19:15 to signify he “head,” the highest of the people, as contrasted with the rush, the “tail,” or humblest of the people. Palm branches appear from early times to have been associated with rejoicing. On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles the Hebrews were commanded to take branches of palms, with other trees, and rejoice before God (Lev_23:40; compare Neh_8:15;”
Carvings of palm trees were found in Solomon’s Temple as we reads in 1 Kings 6:29,32
Other references to Palm Trees
Joh 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord.
Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God,
Rev 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.
Grow like the Cedars of Lebanon
Supplies for the building of the temple:1 Kings 5:5-10
Panels & supporting beams of the temple: 1 Kings 6:9 onwards
Planted in the courts of our God – enter His courts with praise – ref
Adjectives: majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible.
Strong’s Concordance adds: “From the tenacity of its roots.” [H730]
The understanding here is that God wants us to shoot root and bear fruit! Cedars we a part of the interior design of the temple, and so are believers in Jesus’ Church today!
Bring forth Fruit become full of life giving sap
Abiding in the Vine – John 15
The Fruit of the Spirit
Jesus also says by heir fruit you will know them. We are His disciples because we Love Him and each other. John 13:35
Living Memorials
Cornelius – other men & women of faith mentioned in Hebrews – memorials of what specifically?
To show that the Lord is upright and faithful to all His promises; that He is our rock; and there is no unrighteousness in Him
Every time we testify of God’s greatness we glorify his name and our lives become memorials of His works and loving-kindness.
Cornelius’ good report:
G3140 martureō mar-too-reh'-o
From G3144; to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): – charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness
How do we qualify as righteous before God?
Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
2Co 5:21 For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1Co 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption;
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.