Psalm 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. I. The seen, "light." 1. The preciousness of this figure is seen as we reflect upon (1) The quality of the seed, "light." "Whatsoever doth make manifest is light." That which dispels mists and shadows, and reveals realities, is the seed. (2) The idea of increase involved in the fact, "light is sown." (3) The amount of this precious seed that is sown. 2. Through the entire field of probation, from the gate of responsible action, in every direction, clear back to the river of death that rolls at the extreme end, "light is sown." II. THE SOWERS, implied in the fact, "Light is sown." 1. God was the first being to scatter this precious seed. Dwelling in the midst of the unlocked granaries of "light" in regard to Himself, and the universe, and especially in regard to the great scheme of salvation, He soon commenced to scatter the seed, which was caught up and disseminated by "holy men of old who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2. "Light is sown by the righteous" — (1) For his own good. (2) For the good of others.Sometimes we have got to sow our own "light." Little irregularities, follies, or besetments may be persisted in till we are made to see, by the light of experience, that they are deceptive and damaging. 3. Light is sown for the righteous by the wicked. (1) By wicked nations. French Revolution the result of the infidelity and atheism of France. (2) By wicked men. The sensuality, want, destitution, misery of the multitude who forget God is light revealing to the righteous the blessedness of his choice. III. THE PERSONS for whom the sowing is done. "The righteous," not the half-hearted, worldly, or hypocritical professor, but the man whose purpose in the right is a whole purpose, and who stands before his own conscience and his God in the full honours of rectitude. Such a man, no matter where he may be, is surrounded with growing light. (T. Kelly.) Parallel Verses KJV: Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.WEB: Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. |
    |