Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Psalm 43:3 O send out your light and your truth: let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill, and to your tabernacles. I. THE PSALMIST'S EARNEST PETITION. 1. The subject of his request. (1) "Light" is that glorious creature "which maketh manifest" to the sense of sight surrounding objects; and thus enables a person to perceive himself and his situation with its advantages or disadvantages, so as to avail himself of what is favourable and to avoid what is otherwise. Metaphorically, it signifies mental illumination, or the means or instruments of such illumination (John 3:19). Thus the epithet is applied to "believers" (Ephesians 5:8), who are "children of the light," because illuminated. And to God, word (Psalm 119:105; Hosea 6:5); and to His ministers and people (Matthew 5:14; John 5:85) as the means of illumination. Light is also a cheerful subject, and therefore it is used to denote prosperity, comfort, felicity (Psalm 97:11; Isaiah 58:8, etc.). (2) The "truth" here requested may mean religious truth in general, as in John 17:17; and, if so, then the prayer is that of every missionary, and of every friend of missions. But it more properly intends the fulfilment of God's promises to the petitioner; a verifying of those promises in his experience, that he might prove and rejoice in their truth. 2. The intention of his request — a participation in religious enjoyments. (1) An acknowledgment of need. (2) Not only a willingness, but anxiety to be led and taught. (3) A resolution to walk in the light, and to submit to the truth of God. (4) A humble anticipation of being so instructed as to be enabled to correct past errors, and of coming to worship God in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 42:4; Psalm 122:1). II. THE PSALMIST'S PIOUS PURPOSE. 1. The object of his devotions" God," as opposed to the creatures. Not domestic, social or public pleasures or achievements; but God, who is the source of light and truth (James 1:17). "My God," as opposed to every other, and peculiarly mine. The object of my affection; the object of my trust (Psalm 73:24-28). 2. The fervour of his devotion — "Unto God my exceeding joy," or, "the gladness of my joy." How inferior the joy of the sensualist, the worldling, etc. (Psalm 4:7; Isaiah 9:3). 3. The manner of his devotion — "T will go unto the altar," etc. (1) He would sacrifice. Is a sin-offering necessary? It shall be offered. Is a thank-offering due? It shall be rendered. (2) He would praise — "upon the harp," etc. "We have an altar," etc. "By him therefore let us offer," etc. (Hebrews 13:10, 15). (3) This was public worship; an open avowal of God's goodness, and His servant's obligation. The psalmist was a man of personal piety, which he evinced by practical piety. Are we such? (4) This was a public dedication: an engagement of himself in God's service in any post that might be assigned to him. Are you imitating this conduct, thus praying, thus purposing? (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. |
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