Monday, June 18, 2012

Living the High Life (Psa. 128:1-4)

The Bible describes “the high life” differently than the world.  In the non-Christian arena, “the high life” means a good beer, a sexy woman, plenty of money and a steady dose of pleasure without restraint.  In the Christian world, “the high life” means the state of blessing that comes from fearing the Lord.

What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?  It means to “walk in His ways.” (Psa. 128:1)  It means to reverence (awe), worship, and obey Him.

The Man Who Fears the Lord Is Blessed!
1.  He is blessed as a provider (128:2a).  He eats of the fruit of his hands.  His work is productive and provident.
2.  He is blessed as a person (128:2b).  Happy > from a root that means “to be straight, level or right”; “to go forward, be honest or prosper.”  Well > from a root that means “to be (do or make) good”
3.  He is blessed as a partner (128:3a).  His wife is a fruitful vine in the house.  The man is blessed because his wife is fulfilled and content.  Husband, the greatest security you provide your wife is for her to know you are sold out to God!
4.  He is blessed as a parent (128:3b).  His children are olive plants around the table.  It takes 15 years of cultivation for olive plants to develop into olive trees.  Instead of “cultivation,” today we would say “investment.”  Why should a father invest in his children?  After the 15 years of cultivation as plants, those olive trees will produce for the next 2,000 years.  Fathers, your legacy will outlive you for generations!
Observations
1.  God has set you up for success, not failure.  It all starts (Psa. 128:1) and ends (Psa. 128:4) with the fear of the Lord.
2.  When you bless the Lord, the Lord blesses you.  The reward for godly fear is fruitfulness.
3.  When you fear the Lord and are blessed, everyone else in your family is affected.  If the positive is true, so is the negative.  When you do not fear the Lord and are not experiencing His blessing, everyone else in your family is affected.  Fathers, so much depends upon your leadership!

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