LOOK UP FOR A LOOKOUT
Psalm 121:1-8
SALUTATION
I am grateful to God for safe passage to Gary, Indiana and the East Glen Park Church of Christ in
particular. Great appreciation is offered to Bro. Robert Holt and all that serve this great family
for allowing me to come and share with you in appreciation of Bro. Holt’s service over the years
and the fact of the matter that God has blessed this congregation with such longevity. I am
both humbled as well as honored to be a part of your celebration!
INTRODUCTION
In simplest explanation is that the one hundred and twenty-first Psalm is a Psalm that is rooted
in deep and study trust of God. Verbiage from the text noted in verse one through eight express
a strong sense of persistent, determined, dependence on God.
Paul noted in Romans 15:4 that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Therefore
this message from the scriptures is intended for the people of God to learn from, gain patience
and comfort as a result of its truths, and have hope derived from the same.
“Lookout” - A person who watches an area and warns others if there is danger. 2. a high
place or structure from which you can see a wide area.
BODY OF LESSON
I.
Look to God!
A. Look up for a look out!
1. Up to the hills is a figurative term with reference to the presence of God (v. 1)
2. “Help” comes from God! (v.2)
a. Help – means aid (Strong’s) or give assistance or support to (Webster).
B. He (God) is a qualified lookout!
1. He made heaven & earth (Genesis 2:1-2)
1
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he
rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
II.
The Lookout can prevent! (v. 3)
A. No inadvertent misstep or overwhelming temptation can overtake the trusting
obedient soul! (“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved” K.J.V. or “slip”
N.A.S.B.). See I Corinthians 10:13 regarding temptation point.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with
the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
B. The Lookout neither “slumbers” or “sleeps.” (v. 4)
1. Slumber – To allow one’s self to fall asleep from a lack of interest.
a. If the lookout falls asleep, you’re in trouble! (Bank Robber illustration)
2. Sleep – To go to sleep from physical drowsiness.
III.
The Lookout can handle all extremes, me & mine! (v. 5-8)
A. Our “shade” (v. 5) - shade, whether literal or figurative: - defence, shade (-ow).
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
B. “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.” (Psalm 121:6)
1. The expression is used to complete the sum of protection that may be had
from the Lord
C. He is our “Preserver.” The term “Preserve” is used in v. 7 & 8.
1. “Preserve” - properly to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally to
protect, attend to. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
a. Note that this Hebrew term is the same one used in v. 5 regarding the term
“keeper.”
b. ***Demonstrate “hedge” and “hedge with thornes” illustration.
Psalms 121:1-8 (KJV)
1
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for
evermore.