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Your Mercy reaches Unto the heavens

Text: Psalm 57
6 November 2005

(I) FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF A GOD OF MERCY

1. In the Mosaic Law

“And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed the name of the LORD,

The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” Exodus 34:6-7

2. Through personal comprehension of God

“For the king trusts in the LORD,

And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved” Psalm 21:7

“To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;

For God is my defense, my God of mercy” Psalm 59:17

(II) VITAL APPLICATION OF THIS KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

1. In the tests of life

“My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.” Psalm 57:4

2. In supplication

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities pass me by.” Psalm 57:1

(III) EXTOLLING THE MERCIES OF GOD

“I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above the earth” Psalm 57:9-11

1. Through literary means

a) The crafting of a psalm

b) The promotion of that psalm

2. Through musical means

a) Setting a psalm to music (Michtam of David- Superscription of the psalm)

b) Singing of the psalm in public

3. Through contents of the psalm

a) The mercy of God reaching unto the heavens

b) The truth of God unto the clouds

c) The glory of God to be exalted above the heavens and the earth

POEM

GREAT GOD!

Great God! Beneath whose piercing eye

The earth’s extended kingdoms lie;

Whose favouring smile upholds them all,

Whose anger smites them, and they fall.

We bow before Thy heavenly throne;

Thy power we see, Thy greatness own;

Yet, cherished by Thy milder voice,

Our bosoms tremble and rejoice.

Thy kindness to our fathers shown

Their children’s children long shall own;

To Thee, with grateful hearts, shall raise

The tribute of exulting praise.

Great God, our Guardian, Guide and Friend!

O still Thy sheltering arm extend;

Preserved by Thee for ages past,

For ages let Thy kindness last!

– William Roscoe –