In Psalm 116:12-19, the psalmist resumes his song of gratitude for the LORD’s answer to his cry to “save my life” (v. 4). In verse 12 he asks: What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? …and proceeds to answer his own question:
- He will lift up the cup of salvation – a literal cup that is part of the special sacrifice of thanksgiving he is making to the LORD for His deliverance (v. 13).
- He will call upon LORD’s name in praise (v. 13). The sacrifice and calling upon the LORD’s name is repeated in verse 17.
- He will pay his vows to the LORD – another means of praise to God. And he desires to do it publicly to encourage others to honor the LORD (vv. 14 and 18).
One of the important reasons we gather for worship is to publicly proclaim what the Lord God has done for us, so that others might join with us in praising Him together for His greatness and His works – in the courts of the LORD’s house (v. 19). And one of the great works of God is how much He cares for us and delivers His children from destruction – daily, and Who will also keep them in eternity. The song: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me, is from Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:29 and 31.
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Those words are in the context of Jesus encouraging His disciples not to fear persecution for His sake – specifically to not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul. The Lord God is the only One who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt. 10:28). But hell is not the destiny of God’s children – He will love and care for them forever. That’s why the psalmist declares in Psalm 116, verse 15: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones. If you are God’s child through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, you are – and will always be – precious in His sight.
Yours and His,
Pastor Ed Smith