PRÉCIS ON GOD’S TWO CONDITIONS FOR A RIGHTEOUS AND JOYFUL LIFE

SCRIPTURE. “I am hoping and waiting [eagerly] for Your salvation, O Lord, and I do Your commandments.” – PSALM 119:166, AMPC

KEY TERMS:

·        “HOPE” (FOR HIS RETURN). ‘Sabar’ [שִׂבַּ֣רְתִּי]: “From a primitive root meaning, ‘To scrutinize;’ by imp., to carefully watch for and expect (with hope and patience); to eagerly await or tarry; to view or observe [signs of His Coming]; confidence in a future event; ‘the highest degree of well-founded expectation of good.’”

·        “DO” (HIS COMMANDMENTS). ‘Asah’ [עָשָׂה]: From a root word meaning, ‘To make or accomplish;’ to bring forth or be in command of [its occurrence]; to complete; ‘carries with it the central notion of performing some distinct purpose or moral obligation;’ used in conjunction with obedience to God’s Commands; to diligently work for or toward an important requirement.”

QUOTATION. “I read in Your Word that the very best kind of pleasure is delighting in doing what You want. ‘Your Way is right and good and it brings life.’ You are pleased when I follow it, because You want the best for me.” ― AMY E. MASON, 365 Pocket Prayers for Women: Guidance and Wisdom for Each New Day, 2016; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘Lord, I have hoped for Thy salvation.’ – Either ‘temporal salvation’ and deliverance from enemies, and from afflictions, which God had promised, and therefore he had reason to hope for; or ‘Spiritual and Eternal salvation,’ resolved on in the mind of God, provided in Covenant, promised to be wrought out by Christ, and which since has been accomplished; and therefore there is a sufficient foundation to hope for it.

‘And done Thy Commandments.’ –  This was not the cause, ground, and foundation of his hope; for then it would not have been like an anchor, sure and steadfast, but as the hope of the hypocrite, which is as the spider’s web; but this was the ‘effect’ of his hope; because he had a good hope of salvation, therefore he was studiously concerned to do the Commandments of God; his hope prompted him to it, and encouraged him in it; see 1 John 3:2. Kimchi’s note here is a good one; ‘And done Thy Commandments, not for hope of reward;’ but I have done them as Thy Commandments are with me and I know that I shall have salvation, and I have hoped for it.” – JOHN GILL, An Exposition of the Old and New Testament, 9 vols., 1746-1763; edited

DK’S TAKE. To this very simple point which I shall state a TWO PART MAXIM: ‘Those who choose to fully follow Christ without any reservation by being filled with His Spirit and immersing themselves in His Word do this: Eagerly await His Return, and love doing His will!’

Selah.

These are, no matter what their station in life, what the Scripture refers to as ‘mighty men of God’ who love Him so much they did not love their lives even unto death (2 Chron. 23:8-39; Rev. 12:11). All others are variously referred to as “nominal” or “cultural Christians” who remain focused on their own happiness and achievements down here in this life.

Might want to think about this as His Day races toward us at light speed. In what condition do you wish to be found, beloved: ‘Fully His,’ or fully your own? In the Final Analysis it is one or the other; there is no In-Between.

There never, ever has been. Selah.