Psalm 16:4
“The sorrows of those who run after other gods will be multiplied.”
There is not, in all the writings of the Old Testament, a portion of Scripture that more fully attests the Messiahship of the Lord Jesus than this chapter. All depended on his resurrection from the dead. And to this Psalm both Peter, at the commencement of his ministry to the Jews, Acts 2:25-32, and Paul, on his first solemn mission to preach to the Gentiles, made their appeal as predicting the resurrection of the Lord Jesus on the third day, Acts 13:31-37. In the beginning of the Psalm, David speaks more particularly respecting himself; but even there he declares the blessedness of the Lord’s people, and especially of those who were looking forward to the Messiah, beyond all the worshipers of false gods. The contrast which he there forms, will be the subject of our present meditations.
To elucidate it, I will,
I. Confirm the assertion in my text.
It is universally true that “The sorrows of those who run after other gods will be multiplied.”
1. We see this among the pagans.
They worship gods of wood and stone, hence their sorrows are universally and greatly multiplied. The very instant they begin to feel a sense of guilt upon their souls, there is nothing so painful but they will do it, in order to conciliate the favor of their gods. The offering of human sacrifices, to which I apprehend the Psalmist refers (see the words following our text,) which refer to the cruel and idolatrous usages of the Canaanites, the very names of whose idols were forbidden to be named, sufficiently attests this. Just so, the self-devotion of those who, at this day, cast themselves under the wheels of the temple of Juggernaut, in order to sacrifice their lives to that detestable idol, places beyond a doubt the miseries sustained by idolaters, even where civilization is in other respects is considerably advanced.
2. We see this among the votaries of this world.
Look at those who are “enslaved by all kinds of lusts and pleasures,” and seeking happiness in the gratification of their own evil passions.
Is the licentious fornicator, or the base adulterer, happy? No! They hate the light; they are ashamed to be seen in the pursuit of their unhallowed practices; and they contract a load of guilt, which, in hours of reflection, surely oppresses their minds, and renders them afraid to meet God!
Even in temporal matters, the follower of forbidden pleasures often suffers to a great extent; and what he suffers in the eternal world, let the Rich Man, who disregarded the plight of Lazarus, attest. Truly, whether pleasures, riches, or honors are thus idolized, they heap distress and anguish on their votaries, both in this world and in the world to come.
3. We see this among the followers of a legal and Pharisaic righteousness.
This, too, is idolatry, no less than the indulgence of covetousness, lewdness, or any other corrupt propensity. And what a load, yes, what an insupportable burden, does it entail! The Pharisees of old were far from happy; and so are the Papists now; for, while they have recourse to rites of man’s device, instead of seeking acceptance through the sin-atoning blood of Christ, they put their own good works in the place of Christ’s, and accumulate to themselves sorrows without end!
But what shall we say of the disappointment they will feel on entering into the judgement of God? They thought to purchase Heaven; but the inadequacy of their efforts will instantly appear, and the impiety of their conceits be visited with suitable expressions of God’s merited indignation!
Connected as this assertion is with all the following context, I shall be led to,
II. Contrast the state of idolaters, with the state of the Lord’s redeemed people.
If it is true that “The sorrows of those who run after other gods will be multiplied,” then it is no less true, on the other hand, that the joys of those who hasten after the Lord “Jesus Christ, who is the true God and eternal life,” shall be multiplied, 1 John 5:20. Yes, truly, they shall greatly rejoice; as it is said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice.”
1. The Lord’s redeemed people are blessed with peace of conscience.
This is unknown to any human being, except to him who believes in Christ. Others may have the insensibility of beasts, or the confidence of fanatics—but the tranquility of mind which arises from a sense of God’s pardoning love upon the soul is altogether unknown to them. They possess it not. They cannot possess it, because God is not in reality reconciled towards them. There are no means of acceptance with God, but those provided in his Gospel; and, whether men are rejecting his Gospel as infidels, or substituting something else in the place of it—they are equally cut off from all hope of its benefits. But the believer in Christ is fully accepted by his God; and, “being justified by faith, he has peace with God!” He may say, with undoubting assurance, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance! verse 5.”
2. The Lord’s redeemed people are blessed with holiness of heart and life.
Here, also, the believer stands elevated above all the rest of mankind. Others may be fair as whited sepulchers; but the believer is “renewed in his inward man,” and transformed into the divine image in righteousness and true holiness.” Need I say what a source of happiness this is? The prophet tells us, that “the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever, Isaiah 32:17.” And to the same effect the Psalmist, speaking in his own as well as in the Messiah’s name, informs us, “I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my flesh also shall rest in hope! verse 8, 9.”
3. The Lord’s redeemed people are blessed with the hope and assurance of everlasting glory.
He has a title to eternal life, and even the begun possession of it in his soul, John 3:36. 1 John 5:11-12. Hence, in the language of David and the Messiah himself, he is privileged to say, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand! Verse 16.” As to the full enjoyment of Heaven, I cannot attempt to describe it. No words can paint it; no imagination can conceive of it. But it shall be the assured and everlasting possession of all who sincerely believe in Christ.
What, then, shall I say?
“Hasten after” this blessed Savior, determining never to relax your diligence, until you have fully “apprehended him, and been finally apprehended of him.”
See what exertions the pagans make, in order to please their gods of wood and stone.
See, too, with what indefatigable zeal the worldling serves his gods, accounting his whole life little enough for the attainment of the object of his pursuit, whether it is pleasure, or riches, or honor.
See also the self-denying exercises of him who is laboring to establish a righteousness of his own, instead of submitting to the righteousness which is of God through faith in Christ.
Shall any of these do more for their gods than you for yours? Shall not the Savior of your souls be counted worthy of all that can possibly be done or suffered for him? I say, look at the earnestness of others in the service of false gods, and stand amazed at your lukewarmness in the service of him who has redeemed you to God by his own most precious blood. There is nothing which idolaters of all the different classes will not “give to their respective gods.” Just so, let there be nothing withheld from your Lord and Savior; yes, give your whole selves to him; and let your whole body, soul, and spirit, be sanctified to him, henceforth, and for evermore!
Charles Simeon