The Bible refers to “Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada...who...had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day” (2 Samuel 23:20; 1 Chronicles 11:22).  The details are not provided in the text, but it certainly must have been a great thing that Benaiah did that winter day.
In the 1800s, J. W. McGarvey wrote of the nobility of those who, prior to heated baptistries, were baptized in cold waters during winter.  He described one such baptism in the Missouri River that was covered with ice a foot thick.  He wrote, “A cut was made in the ice about four feet wide and reaching out to where the water was of suitable depth the baptism was done...Advocates of affusion habitually denounce immersion under such circumstances as dangerous to the health...But I have baptized delicate ladies in wintry streams and have never known or heard of one being injured by it...There comes over the system a glow of warmth and renewed energy that fully compensates for the momentary chill, and the consciousness of a solemn duty performed sends a glow of gratitude and peace through the inner man which contributes largely to the comfort of the body.  Our Lord knew what he was doing when he appointed this ordinance to be observed in every clime and country where sinful men reside” (The Autobiography of J. W. McGarvey, p. 47). 
The devil, like a roaring lion, seeks to destroy us with the guilt and consequences of our sins.  However, Jesus Christ, through the marvelous benefits of His death, destroyed (rendered idle and unemployed, put out of use) the devil (Hebrews 2:14).  Calvary puts the devil out of business if the benefits of the blood of Christ are appropriated.  Such occurs when one is baptized into the death of Christ (Romans 6;3,4).  Whether in the icy waters of winter, or the warmth of a modern baptistry, when one obeys the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 6:17) and continues to walk in the light confessing his sins to God (1 John 1:7-9), “a lion is killed in a pit.” Benaiah did something great when he “killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day.”  You and I can do even greater: “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16); “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion...Resist him, stedfast…” (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 4:16,17).

The first thing to say about Psalm 108 is that this poem is formed from parts of two other psalms.  The first five verses are nearly the same as Psalm 57:7-11, and the last eight verses are nearly the same as Psalm 60:5-12.

The arrangement we have in this psalm makes proper use of the two sections to create a new psalm with its own lessons.  The author has a hope for victory that is rooted in four truths.  His climax is in the last verse where he says, “Through God we shall do valiantly.”  The four truths will serve as the main points in our outline.

ONE: “I WILL PRAISE YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR NATURE” (108:1-4).

The first section of the psalm begins with the determination of the author.  He claims that his heart is steadfast (“fixed”; KJV), and that he “will” give praise.  The phrase “with my glory” refers to the fact that this praise will come from the very best part of his person, and reminds us of the fact that the heart and soul of man must be involved if our praises to God are going to be acceptable to Him (John 4:24; Ephesians 5:19).  He then speaks of the approach that he will use:  He will use instruments (which were acceptable under the law), he will begin early, and he will offer his praise among people and nations.  The next point completes the thought by adding the fact that this praise is rooted in his proper understanding of the true nature of God.  He wants those who hear his praise to learn of the mercy and truth of God.

TWO: “I WILL EXALT YOU FOR YOUR DELIVERANCE” (108:5,6).

The second section of the psalm begins with his desire for God to exalt Himself above the heavens and the earth, implying that this exaltation would be noticed and appreciated by those who heard of it.  The reason for this desire follows:  “That Your beloved may be delivered.”  The people of God are His beloved, and He is able to deliver them (us) from all kinds of circumstances—even sin (Deuteronomy 33:12; Jeremiah 11:15).  Another One is also His Beloved; and His name is Jesus Christ.  We can be accepted in the Beloved by obeying the gospel and being added to the church of Christ (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Ephesians 1:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47).

THREE: “YOU WILL OVERCOME THOSE IN THE LAND” (108:7-9).

The third section mentions nine proper names as the author points out that God can, and will, use the nations as He decides to use them.  He will do this in harmony with His holiness and for the benefit of His people.  Let us briefly comment on these nine names.

Shechem:  An important central place west of Jordan.
Valley of Succoth: East of the Jordan, and south of the Jabbok River.
Gilead and Manasseh: The old land of Bashan, east of the Jordan and toward the north.
Ephraim: A common name for the northern part of Israel, here identified as the helmet for God’s head.
Judah: A common name for the southern part of Israel.  The term “lawgiver” reminds us of the promise that Shiloh (Jesus Christ) would come through Judah (Genesis 49:10).
Moab: A proud enemy of God would be used as the pot for washing feet.
Edom: Another enemy who would be like the slave who carries and cleans the sandals.
Philistia: An enemy on the coast of the Mediterranean who would be overcome.
Although God’s chosen were surrounded and infiltrated by various enemies, they could not overcome God, and they could not overcome anyone who would remain faithful to Him.

FOUR: “VICTORY COMES BECAUSE OF YOU—AND WE ARE WITH YOU” (108:10-13).

The fourth section begins with four thought-provoking questions to lead the reader to think about the great need that people have to be lifted up, and that the only One Who can do this is the very One Whom we have offended the most: God.  So the author makes his plea for help.  This plea has two bases—the first is that God can help, and the second is that the help of man is useless!

And then comes the message of the psalm:  Through God we will do valiantly!!

The people of God need to be helped, and the enemies of God need to be “treaded down.”  Amen.

Now, let us make certain that we are on the Lord’s side.
 

     GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE
AL YEAR LONG
 
 
 

The Gift of Praise—Appropriate mention—right in front of the fellow—of superior qualities or of jobs or deeds well done.
The Gift of Consideration—Putting yourself in the other fellow’s shoes, and thus providing your genuine understanding of his side of the case.
The Gift of Concession—Humbly saying at just the right point, “Sorry, you’re right and I’m wrong.” 
The Gift of Gratitude—Never forgetting to say, “Thank you.”  And never failing to mean it.
The Gift of Attention—When the other fellow speaks, listen attentively.  If his words are directed to you personally, meet his eye squarely.
The Gift of Inspiration—Plant seeds of courage and action in the other fellow’s heart.  Help him to strive for greater accomplishment and lasting satisfaction.
The Gift of Your Personal Presence—In sickness, in trouble, or in a day of great joy, there is nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulation.
These are the gifts that all can bestow throughout the year and be richer for the giving! 
 

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 3 is in charge of services Sunday at 1:30. 

WEEKLY LADIES’ CLASS:  The class meets Tuesday at 10:00 and is studying  the book of Judges.  Mary Jones is the teacher.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL:  Our monthly fellowship meal will be Sunday, February 23, following morning services.  Please plan to stay.  Group 4 will host.

SWEETHEART DINNER:  Our annual Sweetheart Dinner will be Saturday, February 15.  The ladies are our special guests.  Please pan to be part of this fun evening!