What is the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian?
Obviously the most common thought would be their eternal destination and
certainly that is the most important difference but Psalm 112 provides a look
at the differences between them in this life. It is a companion psalm with
Psalm 111. Psalm 111 focuses on the savior and Psalm 112 on the saint. Who is a
Christian? Let us take a look.
Psalm 112:1
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
Psalm 111 ended with the statement that it is the fear of
the Lord which brings wisdom. Psalm 112 opens with the same idea. To be blessed
is to be happy. Take note that it is the one who delights in God’s commandments
who is blessed. This is one good reason to read our Bible daily.
Psalm 112:2
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
I did not raise my children in a Christian home. I believe
they are all finding their way to living for Christ but the man who raises his
children by God’s way is establishing a generational pattern that will bring
blessing.
Psalm 112:3
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
In the Old Testament the covenant between God and Abraham
did promise material wealth. Jesus did not make the same promise to the
Christian in the New Covenant. This was because in truth wealth and riches do
not bring happiness. Solomon found this out and I suggest if your lack of these
things is causing you doubt in trusting God you should read what Solomon wrote
in Ecclesiastes. At the end this is what Solomon’s conclusion was. Solomon
learned what Jesus lived; it is only through obedience to God’s commandments by
which true happiness will be found.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Psalm 112:4
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
The world is a dark place. But the Christian lives in the
light of Christ. As the moon reflects the light of the sun in the dark night,
we too are to reflect the light of Christ into a dark world.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.
The Christian is to share the financial blessings God has
given us. To be like Jesus is to give freely but also to be fair and just to
all people.
Psalm 112:6
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever.
Many people have worldly fame. Some may be remembered on
this earth for a long time but where will they be for eternity when this earth
is no more? God will know His children forever. To have an eternal perspective
is to be able to stand firm no matter what we face.
Psalm 112:7
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
The news is filled with tragedy. But as Christians we know a
hope that is sure. We can trust in Christ no matter what happens to us or
around us.
Psalm 112:8
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
The Christian does
not need to fear anything. We know that whatever man does to us on this earth
will be either avenged or forgiven. We let God be the judge. This frees us up
to love people without fear. This is why missionaries can move to dangerous
lands and share the Gospel.
Psalm 112:9
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
The Christian who is not tied to his possessions finds a freedom
no other man can know. It is possible to live in poverty here and be filled
with joy for the reward will be eternal.
Psalm 112:10
The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!
The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!
True Christianity is hated because it convicts the wicked.
Until we know the same hatred the world had for Jesus we can know we have not yet
attained our goal of being Christ-like. Is the love you show for others the
kind of love that makes others uncomfortable? The world hates Jesus because He
is a humble man who was willing to sacrifice His own life for the lost. The
Christian is a man or woman who has the same desire.
Psalm 112 has shown us what our goal is as Christians. We
must love the Lord, we must love His Word. The Christian who lives with grace,
goodness, and Godliness will live his life in security, bad news will not shake
him, and his hope will be in the good news of eternity. Praise will be the
continual cry of the Christian. Obedience to the commandments of Christ will
mark his life. This will set us apart from the world and they will not
understand how we can live in a dark world yet not be moved from our faith. Then we can
shine the light of Christ to those who live in the dark.
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