Psalm 52:8, 9 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8, 9. Here we have The testimony of a saint, confirmed as "good" by all the saints. I. THE CHARACTER OF THE SAINTS. "I am like a green olive tree." The olive was remarkable for life, beauty, and usefulness. Habakkuk speaks of the "labours of the olive" (Habakkuk 3:17); Jeremiah, of its "goodly fruit" (Jeremiah 11:16); and Hosed, of its "beauty" (Hosea 14:6). It was therefore a fitting symbol of God's people (Romans 11:16), who are adorned with the beauty of holiness, and bear fruit to the praise of God. II. THE OCCUPATIONS OF THE SAINTS. 1. The first thing named is trusting. "I trust in the mercy of God." The wisdom, the power, the faithfulness, of God all command our trust; but "mercy," what is most needed and always needed, is here singled out. The next thing is: 2. Praising. "I will praise thee for ever." Looking to the past, the present, and the future, countless reasons rise up for praise. What God has done is proof and promise of what he will do. 3. "Waiting is the last thing mentioned. I will wait on thy Name." God's Name is himself, in all that he is and says and does. The more clearly and fully we know God's Name, the more will our hearts go forth to him in love and hope. Waiting upon him ever brings refreshment, and invigorates our souls for new endeavour. III. THE HOME OF THE SAINTS. "The house of God. So it is here. So it will be hereafter. The saints are happy in their being, secure in their possessions, joyous in their prospects. There are ever light, and sweetness, and holy companionships, and delightful employments, where they dwell. Heaven is their eternal home." - W.F. Parallel Verses KJV: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. |
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