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The Blessed Hope
by Alex M. Lindsay
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Reference: Psalm 17:1-15

David had many situations where problems from ungodly people were driving him to God in prayer. He felt that God had visited him in the night and was testing his heart (Psalm 17:3). Perhaps it was during the quiet time of night that David called out to God (Psalm 6:6; 63:6). Perhaps he was figuratively describing a period of time that seemed dark and threatening, in which he was reaching out to God (Psalm 16:7; 30:5). Then, again, night can be a description of this life, living in a dark and sinful world (Romans 13:12 cp. John 1:4-5; 3:19; 12:46; Ephesians 6:12). When it is time to leave this world and to be with God, it will be like waking up in the morning - in the light of heaven's day (Psalm 17:15).

As David describes the wicked, he shows how they seem to be satisfied, while on this earth (Psalm 17:8-14). By contrast,

David anticipates the satisfaction that he will have when he dwells with God in eternity (Psalm 17:15 cp. 23:6).

Let's notice three things, in Psalm 17:15, that David was anticipating after this life is over.

"I will behold your face in righteousness."
We cannot stand in God's heavenly presence if we are still in our sins (Psalm 5:4; Exodus 33:20; I Timothy 6:16). Christ has taken our sins and given us His righteousness, so that we may not only stand before Him, but dwell with Him forever. See John 8:21-24; 14:1-6; II Corinthians 5:21 cp. Isaiah 45:21-24; Revelation 1:5-6.

"I will awake with your likeness."
Dying is like waking up. We are promised that, because of Jesus Christ and His salvation, we will have new bodies in the resurrection (Philippians 3:20-21; I Corinthians 15:51-58). Prior to the resurrection, even without the new body, we will not have the interference of this world and of our old bodies (II Corinthians 5:6-8). We will enjoy God perfectly, because we will be like Him in love, in spirit, and in truth. See John 17:24; I John 3:2; Philippians 1:21; I Corinthians 13:8-12.

"I will be satisfied."
No more tears, sorrow, death, pain, fears, or the curse of sin! We have been promised ultimate joy, peace, and contentment. See Psalm 23:6; 42:2; Romans 8:18; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-11; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:1-7; 22:1-7 cp. 22:17.

Originally delivered June 23, 2019
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