Psalm 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit: you have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. I. THE TRUE WATCHWORD OF LIFE. 1. We approach the duties of life through a series of the most elevating considerations. (1) We are not our own. (2) We are parts of a great system. (3) We are servants, not masters. (4) The things that are round about us are beneath our serious notice, except for momentary convenience or instruction. 2. We accept the trials of life with the most hopeful patience. They are — (1) Disciplinary. (2) Under control. (3) Needful. 3. We recognize the mercies of life with the most joyful thankfulness. The name of God is upon the smallest of them. II. THE TRUE WATCHWORD OF DEATH. This watchword, as spoken by Jesus and Stephen, shows — 1. Their belief in a state of being at present invisible. They must at least be credited with speaking their deepest personal convictions. It is something to us in our ignorance and weakness to know who have believed this doctrine of a future state. 2. Their assurance of the limitations of human malice. The spirit was free! 3. Application. (1) Where the spirit is fit for the presence of God, there is no fear of death. (2) All who have died in the faith are present with the Lord. (3) Jesus Himself knows what it is to pass through the valley of the shadow of death. (4) The prayer for entrance amongst the blest may come too late. We have no authority for the encouragement of death-bed repentance. (J. Parker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.WEB: Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth. |
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