The service of the sanctuary.
We are accustomed to think of devotion in connection with the house of the Lord. The two things are clearly, though not inseparably, associated with one another. There may be piety where there is no sanctuary; there may be a sanctuary where there is no piety. Practically, however, we find the two in very close alliance. We have in this psalm—
I. THE GOOD MAN'S ANXIETY. (Psalms 132:1-5.) David is represented as very seriously concerned about the sanctuary of God. It is a mark of devotion when we are more willing to spend our time and our money on God's house than on our own; when we would rather have our own dwelling out of repair than let his house be neglected.
II. GOD'S FAVORING PRESENCE. (Psalms 132:7, Psalms 132:8, Psalms 132:13,Psalms 132:14.) God chose Zion as the place of his manifested presence. There he could be worshipped (by sacrifice) as nowhere else. Though not actually more present in the sanctuary than elsewhere, he is so to our thought and feeling; and there, if we gather in the spirit of devotion and reverent inquiry (Psalms 27:1-14.), we may confidently expect that God will manifest his power in the enlightening and renewing influences of his Spirit.
III. MINISTERIAL EQUIPMENT AND REWARD. (Psalms 132:9, Psalms 132:16.) The ministers of God:
1. Are to be clothed with righteousness. They must be men in whom is the Spirit, and in whose lives are found the principles of Jesus Christ. It is vain to commend him with the lip when the life bears no confirming witness; but when lip and life speak the same truth, there is power and fruitage.
2. They will then be clothed with salvation. They will be men whose word will be of Divine redemption, whose work will be the healing, the strengthening, and the saving of the souls of men; and this plenitude of salvation will overflow to the life of those they serve. There is-
IV. A CONSEQUENT BLESSING TO THE PEOPLE. "They shout for joy" (Psalms 132:9-16).
1. Where worship is rightly rendered, where the praises of a gracious God are sung with grateful hearts as well as tuneful tongues, where the glories and the graces of God in Christ Jesus are unfolded as they should be, and as they will be by ministers who understand and magnify their mission, there will be pure and deep joy in the act of Divine service. This is the true, the Christian note to strike; not that of spiritual depression, but that of sacred joy; for are we not children and heirs of God? are we ….? not kings and priests unto God do we not "sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"?
2. When ministerial work has been faithfully discharged, it has led souls into the kingdom of God, which is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." The psalm brings out, what we must never lose sight of-
V. THE CONDITIONAL CHARACTER OF ALL DIVINE PROMISES. (Psalms 132:11, Psalms 132:12.) The promises of God usually, as here, have a condition attached to them; but where it is not expressed it is understood. The wise and holy Father could not promise anything absolutely to his children; that would be unworthy of his wisdom, and injurious to our true interests. Forgiveness is promised to repentance and faith; the indwelling Spirit to purity of heart; peace of mind to believing prayer; the crown of life to faithfulness unto death, etc.
VI. THE GREAT FULFILMENT. The psalm is Messianic (see Luke 1:69).
1. An availing plea. If for David's sake God is asked not to send the suppliant away unblessed, how much more confidently may we plead the Name of the Son of David, and ask that for Christ's sake he would not send us away without forgiveness and spiritual refreshment!
2. The hope of truth and victory. Christ, the Light of the world, the victorious Prince and Savior, was ordained, and in due time he came (Psalms 132:17, Psalms 132:18).
HOMILIES BY S. CONWAY