Bible Text: Ps. 16:1-9 | Sunday Light (03/03/19, 10/03/19, 17/03/19, / 24/03/19)
Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement

Topic: THE LINES HAVE FALLEN FOR ME IN PLEASANT PLACES

Text: Ps. 16:1-9

INTRODUCTION:

One of the major undoings of God’s people is the habit of not making reference to what has been prophesied, promised and revealed by the Lord. But it is through the instrumentality of such words that the believer succeeds (cons. Jos.1:8, Ps.1:1-3, 1Tim.1:13).

It is with this awareness that the messages delivered by the angel of God to the Church must be received. We are in the era of the New Watchman and ministrations bothering on Buying the Truth which the GS described as a “game changer” are being given by Gods’ truth bearers.

The man of God said, “At this new beginning, he that must progress well and end well, must begin well”.

There is a remarkable place for faith and confession of truth in the life of a Christian (Heb.11:6, Rom.10:10). We are to believe the declaration/message, “Jordan must give way”.

In the same light, the watchman must appreciate their calling and attendant privileges, and declare to themselves and to whosoever cares to hear, “The (boundary) lines (of the land) have fallen for me in pleasant places”. In other words, my heritage is bountiful.

The message shall come under the following points:

(A) The Prayers of a Pious Pilgrim (verses 1-5)
(B) The Testimony of Triumph (verse 6)
(C) The Track to the Testimony (verse 7-8)

(A) THE PRAYERS OF THE PIOUS PILGRIM

The general picture of the text indicates that the petitioner is a God fearing person ( verse 1). The prayer expresses (i) implicit dependence on God and identification with God’s people (verse 2-3) (ii) Disgust for idolaters – worshippers of gods (verse 4). (iii) Affirmation of identity with the Lord.

At such a perilous time as we are, we need to vocalize our dependence on God, and fellowship with one another (Heb.3:13, 10:25). We also need to stay separate from sinners including those within the Church (cons. Gen. 49:22, 26, Ex.23:2, 1Cor.5:9-12, 1Thess.5:22, 2Thess.3:6,24). These will assist one to progress well in the kingdom and work out one’s final salvation (Phil.2: ).

(B) THE TESTIMONY OF TRIUMPH (Ps.16:6)

“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” is a statement of appreciation of form that has come upon an individual. The picture is that of a lot cast for the acquisition of land/landed property, and someone who was fortunate got a very favourable portion, and began to announce the testimony. This picture is in accord with the experiences of the Israelites after crossing the River Jordan to acquire the land flowing with milk and honey (Deut.6:10-12, 8:7-11, 18, 9:1-6). This was their glorious destination.

For watchmen, there is the destination of fullness of life and fulfillment of ministry (Gen.26:13, Isa.49:5,6, Jer. , Heb.11:12).

The Lord’s will is that we prosper all round – spirit, soul and body, career wise, family-wise, business-wise (Jn.10:10, 3Jn.2).

How do we get to this great state?

(C) THE TRACK TO THE TESTIMONY

A track is a road or path affording passage especially a rough one. A rough road is not comfortable to go through. In like manner, spiritual attainment is not flesh-friendly (Gal.5:17). It takes discipline and mortification to ascend the ladder of spiritual prosperity and authority (Rom.8:13, 1Cor.9:26-27, Col.3:5).

There is a place to fight and possess ones possession (Eph.6:12, 2Cor.10:3-6). Fighting is an exercise that employs knowledge, wisdom, dexterity, stamina, power and faith to neutralize the opponent or achieve a goal.

It has been said that watchman is a brand – a people of excellence, exceptionalism, and extraordinariness. And 3 things demand immediate attention to soar into the glorious state viz. (i) Receiving and obeying the counsel of the Lord (Ps.1:1, Deut.5:23, 6:1-3 cp. Jer.35:1-18). (ii) Pondering or meditating (ruminating) on the Word (Ps.1:1-3,6, Jos.1:5-8). (iii) Honouring the Lord – giving Him the pre-eminence (1Sam.2:30, Prov.3:8-10).

On the wider note, the watchmen are expected to follow the pattern displayed by the angel of the Church – his humility, doggedness, diligence, attitude to work, fear of God, jealousy for the Lord, separation from sin and the world to mention a few. These shall be expounded later on.

Let’s decide to actualize the promise through confession of the truth and practice of the required.