Exhortations

Bed of Languishing

by

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.”
— Psalm 41:1-3

Hello, Friends!

This exhortation was written to single out the righteous person treated by the Lord in the time of their sickness. It was not written to state that the wicked never gets healed from sicknesses, for obvious reasons. But, we were moved to highlight the special care the righteous receives from the Lord which makes them stand out as truly blessed of the Lord.

This exhortation serves notice that “…the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” — Proverbs 12:10; they do not have the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, their works are dead, and their tender mercies are at best insensitivity and a lack of compassion; and because of their corrupted heart and froward nature God is not (and was not) obligated to treat them with the same care He does (and did) for the righteous (Proverbs 11:20; James 2:20; Galatians 2:16).

We know how so many in Christendom insist they are blessed of the Lord and highly favored, Woo-Hoo! …BUT… so many are not even righteous according to the scriptures, but according to their own mind; the doctrines, traditions, and philosophies of men.

God said, “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” — 1 Peter 4:18. The word “scarcely” means, with difficulty. That’s right folks! Our salvation is no cake walk …and… there is no such thing as once saved always saved! NONE!

Let’s take a brief pause to prove God’s point….

Hebrews 6:4-6 says, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

God does not know these people as He also said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” — Matthew 7:22-23

When God says, “I NEVER knew you…” That is, I NEVER approved of your conduct; I NEVER loved you because you “…keepeth not My sayings…” (John 14:24); I NEVER regarded you as My friends because you do not “…whatsoever I command you…” (John 15:14).

  • (Psalm 1:6) For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
  • (2 Timothy 2:19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
  • (1 Corinthians 8:3) But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

This proves that, with all the pretenses of those who profess to know the Lord Jesus Christ—they were NEVER His followers (i.e., they were NEVER His true disciples).

For these reasons, Jesus will NEVER say to false prophets and false professors of religion:

  • that He once knew them … then rejected them;
  • that they were once Christians … then fallen away;
  • that they were pardoned … then apostatized …BUT…
    • that He NEVER knew them …AND…
    • they were NEVER His true Christians.

Whatever might have been their pretended joys, raptures, hopes, self-confidence, visions, zeal, they were NEVER regarded by the Saviour as His true friends.

Their names are “…not found written in the book of life…” — Revelation 20:15

The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous … in other words, He established and finished the path and days for the righteous: and their inheritance shall be for ever. (Psalm 1:6; 37:18). Remember that!

Be further reminded, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; neither shall the wicked, and workers of iniquity stand in the judgment; there is NO inheritance for them; but there will be torment, wailing, weeping, and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness. (Psalm 1:5; Matthew 7:23; 13:42, 50).

Consider who Jesus said will be weeping and gnashing of teeth:

  • (Matthew 8:11-12) And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • (Matthew 22:13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • (Matthew 24:50-51) …The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • (Matthew 25:30) And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • (Luke 13:27-28) But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

These scriptures are for those who insist they know God, and will be with Him in His kingdom forever. But they don’t know Him—it’s the angel of light they know. All in the same, if they are not righteous according to the scriptures; if they have not repented and turned toward God of a truth; and if they are false speakers (to begin with); they will end up weeping and gnashing of teeth.

End pause….

Sicknesses and Diseases—
Friends! These are troubling times with many sicknesses and diseases. We are surrounded by what appears to be new and more deadly viruses; for many people die from infectious diseases, daily. And, even though it looks bad for so many, the sicknesses from viruses are not “a new thing” … they just seem to be. Truth be told, the supposed “new virus” (or “new thing”) is actually a new string of an old virus without a cure. They are the next generation of the family of infectious and deadly diseases which began to develop in the Garden of Eden after man ate of the tree in the midst of it…. (See: Genesis 3).

But, in light of these conditions, the Lord is still able to heal us according to His will. He imparted doctors and specialists with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to find cures for diseases (a little at a time). Yet, there are still some (if not many) diseases without cures. It doesn’t matter though because God healeth us of all our diseases (Psalm 103:3).

Take the righteous, for instance. We know that God is not only able to heal us, but He did so in the Spirit before the foundation of the world and fulfilled it on His cross. “…Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” — Matthew 8:17. This is not to say Jesus literally healed us before the foundation of the world, but the concept of His ability to heal us was before we knew of our need to be healed AND before He said, “let there be light.” God careth for us and supplieth all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:9), even before it was written.

The Lord is especially helpful to the righteous when they considereth the poor … they shall be blessed upon the earth:

  • He will deliver them in time of trouble;
  • He will preserve them, and keep them alive;
  • He will not deliver them unto the will of their enemies;
  • He will strengthen them upon the bed of languishing;
  • He will make all their bed in their sickness.

Herein is the goodness of God expressed upon the righteous — they are morally duty bound to care for the welfare of others in the time they are as weak as those who dangle (or droop) their head in poverty or hunger.

Definitions & Exegesis—
Let’s define and breakdown some key words from our focus verse. We’ll start with the Ancient Hebrew definition for “languishing” … it refers to a weakness from illness or sorrow. Strong’s defines it as sickness, figuratively loathing, and illness. Please note, the illness described here has a qualifier — it refers to the illness of a righteous person.

Friends, it might seem like our focus verse applies to everyone, but NOT so. I am reminded of when the just (or righteous) falleth seven times (which is an indefinite number of times)—they riseth up each time better (and more) equipped not to fall again for the same reason; they learn to stand with their loins girt about with truth; and they learn to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life, according to the scriptures. The truly penitent and righteous person is NOT a repeat offender. However, when the wicked fall they are overthrown and do not recover. (Proverbs 24:16).

Look at the logic from our focus verse. Those who considereth the poor are blessed; the Lord will rescue them, so they may escape the evil schemes of the wicked. The Lord will watch over (and guard) the righteous. He literally preserves (and protects) the righteous …and… He will not deliver them into the hands of their enemies. God is the defender and helper of the righteous when they/we are under attacks by their/our foes. Moreover, if or when the righteous turns ill the Lord will strengthen them and make their bed. Isn’t that wonderful?!

Bed of Languishing—
Here’s more insight on “languishing” from Barnes’ Notes. It is more generally something sickening; that is, something unclean, unwholesome, nauseating.

The aforementioned words are also used as precepts in scripture of things which sickens (or disgusts) the soul, that is, after one hears the abominable words of a false teacher who will suffer eternal judgment as it is written “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone...” — Revelation 21:8

False teachers and false speakers are clearly identified:

  • (Romans 16:17-18) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
  • (1 Timothy 6:3-5) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
  • (2 Timothy 2:16-18) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
  • (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The idea here, in accordance with what is stated above, is, words of truth; acts of faith, love, and good works tends to promote the welfare and happiness of others; and more particularly (for this exhortation) when the righteous shows favor and speaks truth to the weak, helpless, and sick — they will find in turn God’s support in time(s) of need.

But, false words eat as gangrene to destroy the truth in the heart of the hearer, and to cause their weakened state to fall further into hopelessness or potential death. Please, shun every word of false speakers and false leaders because they are profane and vain babblings …or… listen to them at your own risk!
—Be advised

The righteous receives the perfect ROI:

  • (Proverbs 19:17) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
  • (Psalm 37:25-26) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
  • (Psalm 37:39-40) But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Make Thy Bed in Sickness—
The word “make” from our focus verse means “turn” and refers to what the Lord will do … He will turn the bed of the righteous; that is, He will render favor, i.e., He will make their bed when they are sick — He adds comfort while they heal from their sickness. In the natural, this is clearly seen in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and hospice care when a nurse changes the bed of the patient to make it more comfortable for them as they heal, or transition.

In the Spirit, however, when the Lord make the bed of the righteous in sickness it does not mean He will turn their sickness to health, but He will relieve and comfort them as a person is relieved and soothed on a sick bed after it is made up. This, too, is in accordance with His sentiment — “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.” — Psalm 18:25-26

On our bed of languishing it will be much to our benefit to remember … in our good health, we contributed to the comfort and relief of the poor.

All Things Common—
How much do you care for the health and well-being of others, especially the poor who are truly in need? Don’t worry, if you are not able to aid financially, and if your heart is pure, you can pray they receive help — God may honor your request if it is according to His will; or you may be able to contribute in a labor of love. In either case, the objective is the righteous act of “all things common” to fulfill the need of, give support to, and comfort, the poor.

Where do you stand, today? Righteous from God’s perspective, or yours? What is the moral condition of your heart as it concerns the “all things common” factor of the true saints of God? Do you strive to help those in need, or, do you look the other way with care for those closest to you, only? Think about it.

Conclusion—
Remember, the matured righteous man and woman have good insight to recognize and show favor to the poor; the purity of their hearts, along with their capability to minister help, will prompt them to esteem the poor before themselves; to lendeth to the Lord (so to speak) on behalf of the needy to provide some of their earthly necessities (but only according to God’s will). The Lord will restore and strengthen the righteous on their bed of languishing AND in their time of need.

In Christ We Do Remain
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