Sermon: Prospering In The Land

PROSPERING IN THE LAND
(Psalms 128:1- 6)

A message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 2 May 2010

Psalm 128 starts out with the word “blessed”. To be blessed is to be truly happy, regardless of circumstances. It includes well-being, fullness, and prosperity.

I.  BLESSED IN OUR WORK / PERSONAL BLESSINGS (2, 5-6a)
Fruitful Labor “When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands”
Happiness and Prosperity “You will be happy and it will be well with you”

Labor Day is officially a day to celebrate and pay tribute to the worker; and we celebrate the fact that we have work to do. How well do you do the work that you do? Labor Day is a celebration of the unique rights & freedoms that we, as workers, enjoy in our nation.

Labour Force of Malaysia (Feb 2010) 11.38 million. Employed: 10.95 million; Unemployed – 406,900 (3.6% of Labour Force)

The Bible consistently preaches a strong work ethic (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 12:24). The “work of our hands” is something that God wants us to do ourselves to and something, which He has promised to bless abundantly.

When we walk with God we can expect Him to bless our work (cf. Psa. 127:1; 128:1).

Work is meant to be in partnership with God. There is no division between our secular work and our spiritual life (Col. 3:23). Investing our energies in serving God and other people are the only worthwhile reasons to work.

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

II. BLESSED IN OUR HOME (:3; 6a) / FAMILY BLESSINGS
Fruitful Wife  “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine”
Numerous and Pleasant Children “Your children like olive plants around your table”

Grapevines and olive plants are Jewish symbols of prosperity, wealth, fruitfulness, charm, festivity, and abundant life.

Family life is not meant to be a burden, but is a great gift from God. So we need to put our relationships in the right place.  “Take your eyes off your work for a second and take a look at your family. They’re an example of the ultimate reason you do what you do.”

Patrick Morley in book “Man in the Mirror” gives a warning when it comes to balancing work and family: “No amount of success at the job will compensate for failure at home. To succeed in work, but fail at home is to fail completely.”

THE SEVEN FOLD BLESSING ON THE FAMILY:

PRESENCE. PEACE. PROSPERITY. PROTECTION. PATRONAGE. POSTERITY. PURPOSE

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every blessing that comes from God is sent with the same message, ‘And more to follow.’”

III. BLESSED IN OUR LAND /  NATIONAL BLESSINGS (:5, 6b)

Zion/Jerusalem as the Place of all Blessing: “The Lord bless you from /out of Zion”(:5a) “And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life” (:5b)  Communal blessing. “Peace upon Israel” (6b).
Malaysia as a God-blessed nation. As citizens, we can contribute to and enjoy of the prosperity of the nation. How?

SEVEN Ways to Nation Building
1. UNDERSTAND the Prosperity of the Land Belongs to all of Us/You.
2. PRAY: We can pray for our country and our leaders
3. SEEK the Peace and Prosperity of the Nation.
4.  LIVE for Christ – Be Salt and Light where we are – as Agents of Transformation.
5.  VOICE OUT: We can speak up.
6.  GET OUT: We can be involved in the community; seeking the welfare and well-being of all people and communities in all aspects of life.
7. VOTE: We can VOTE [ The Election Commission reported that 15.47 million of Malaysians are above 21 years of age and therefore eligible to vote in federal and state elections.  However, only 11.08 million (72%) have taken the trouble to register as voters. This means that 4.39 million (28%) eligible electors have opted to forfeit their right to vote in the event a general election is held. (Check your voter status: >>> http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx)] Christian votes must be seen in Malaysia as critical. Christian votes can make a difference!

CONCLUSION
If you want to be happy in your work, if you want your home to be happy, if you want your nation to be happy – Fear the Lord. Walk in His ways.