Men used to take a job not just for the salary that was paid but because of a package of benefits which were offered in addition to the salary. It is almost impossible these days for an employer to offer “benefits” to his employees because what at one time was considered as extra “benefits” are now demanded and considered a sacrosanct right, especially in government funded “jobs”. That which was once considered unearned perks and added encouragement has now come to be expected. Few feel grateful for paid vacations, certain numbers of days off, overtime pay, etc. since in many cases legislation forces employers to provide these things and those who receive them usually take them for granted.
The concept of a “benefit” which is set forth here by the Psalmist has everything to do with the grace and mercy of the BENEFACTOR and nothing at all to do with the merit or worthiness of those receiving the benefits. The “benefits” of GOD are strictly the product of HIS goodness towards the children of men. Our English word “benefit” is derived from the Latin word “benefactum” which means “good deed”.
The men of this world think that GOD is somehow obligated to do good unto them and often grow angry or at the least impatient when events and circumstances do not turn out as they wish. What folly it is for men to consider that GOD is in any way bound to provide anything at all for HIS creation. If HE was pleased to create the world just for the purpose of causing misery to its inhabitants; who could bring a railing accusation against HIM or charge HIM with injustice. “Hath not the potter power over the clay?” (Rom 9:21)
David understood that any blessings which came to men must of necessity arise out of the mercy and grace of GOD without regard to any merit on the part of men. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psa 8:3-4)
It is with this understanding that we are made to stand in awe of the “benefits” which GOD in HIS abundant mercy has seen fit to unfold to HIS children in the sight of all of the sons of men. We stood worthy of nothing but destruction yet we are made to cry out “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (Psa 68:19)
What are the “benefits” of GOD which HE has manifested to HIS children?
- The forgiveness of sin. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities”(Psa 103:3) GOD alone can forgive sin since all sin is against HIM even as David testified. (see Ps.51:4)
- The healing of our disease. “Who healeth all thy diseases.”(Psa 103:3) Carnal men are concerned with the healing of their carnal bodies but that man who is spiritual desires to be healed of that disease of sin which eats at his vitals. GOD is our HEALER, indeed the GREAT PHYSICIAN.
- Redemption from the just condemnation of the law. “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.”(Psa 103:4) Though the sons of GOD were never appointed unto wrath, they were subjected to the law in order that the LORD might demonstrate HIS grace and mercy in redeeming them from that condemnation and destruction which they showed themselves to be worthy of. HE would be both just and the JUSTIFIER of HIS elect sons and has bought them back from the slavery into which they willingly sold themselves. The ultimate manifestation of this redemption is the resurrection of the body. (see Rom.8:23; Eph.1:14; 4:30)
- Blessing beyond compare. “who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."(Psa 103:4) We are made to sing with the hymnwriter of old, “Thy mercy my GOD is the theme of my song, the joy of my heart and the boast of my tongue.”
- Strength for the journey. “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”(Psa 103:5) The sons of GOD stand in need of nothing which CHRIST does not provide. While they are convinced that without HIM they can do nothing they are also made to confess with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”(Phil. 4:13) “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” (Isa 12:2)
- Help for the needy. “The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.”(Psa 103:6) The LORD JESUS said, “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted”. (Mat 5:4) HE will befriend the fatherless and widows and defend them against all of their enemies. O LORD we need THEE!
- Patience and longsuffering. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”Psa 103:8) Even as the prophet testified, “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”(Lam 3:22-23)
- HE does not give us what we deserve. “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”(Psa 103:10) Religious men consider that they will be rewarded for their good deeds. Spiritually minded men know that they are but unprofitable servants at best and are ever thankful that GOD blesses HIS children according to grace and not merit, lest they should perish. GOD does not deal with HIS children on the basis of their sin but rather on the basis of HIS mercy and grace.
- HE has removed our sin, blotting it out in the blood of CHRIST. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”(Psa 103:12) Our sin can never be brought up again against us to condemnation by any accuser, for JESUS CHRIST has taken away all grounds upon which our sin could ever destroy us. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”(2Cor 5:21) “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” (Heb 7:22)
10. HE pities those who tremble before HIM. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” (Psa 103:13) The children of GOD who are acquainted with HIM, fall upon their faces in reverence at the mention of HIS name knowing that HE is a “Consuming fire”.(Heb.12:29) Yet HE is of such tender compassion to those that fear HIM that HE will not “break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax.” (Isa.42:3) “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16)