Psalm 128: Fruitful Blessings of Obedience

Promises of fertility and fruitfulness, peace and prosperity are fulfilled as consequences that come to those who fear God and obey His covenant commands. Obedience to the Moral Code has a blessed result. This conditional promise is repeated hundreds of times.

Three blessing are promised for the one who fears God: just reward for your labor; happy home and family life; continued blessings on descendants. These family blessings come within the context of peace in the land contingent on the presence of God (Zion). There is also the presumption that the Lord keeps away the enemies that would steal and destroy.

The direct correspondence of cause (obedience) and effect (blessing) is not usually evident to the physical eye, but the eyes of faith can see more clearly. Nevertheless, this truth is revealed to us as incentive to remain faithful to God.

Now we have another problem: none of us is good nor can any claim obedience to the Law; thus none can claim a right to the promise. Then for us the Gospel promises this: Jesus was obedient for you and died for the disobedient. By daily repentance and faith in the Gospel I enter the kingdom of righteousness and peace and I enjoy the fruit.