Wednesday, March 19, 2014

3 perspectives on Praise

Read Psalm 148.

The praises of God continue in this series of five songs, heading for a crescendo.  The psalmist wrote this exaltation in an orderly fashion.  Looking up; then looking around; and, finally, looking in.

1. The Celestial perspective of praise. (vv.1-6)
Looking up at the sky, this is a call for all the angelic hosts, the planets and all the stars to give forth their praises to God, the Creator.  How did God create?  "He commanded" (v.5) "and it was so" (Genesis 1).  The March 18, 2014 edition of USA TODAY reported on page 5A a huge new finding by scientists regarding "gravitational waves."  Their theory is that just after the so-called big bang, "space expanded violently and almost instantaneously."  Anyone whoever read and believed Genesis 1 agrees.  That truth has been in the Bible for thousands of years.  It was not a big bang, but a BIG VOICE that instantly commanded the creation into being.  Any other view robs God of His rightful praise.  "The heavens declare the glory of God." (Psalm 19:1)

2. The Terrestrial perspective on praise. (vv.7-12)
Looking around at all of earth's creation on land, sea and air, who could not help but praise God for the beauty and intricacies of His handiwork.  This includes all human life, regardless of status or age group.  All are called upon to join in the song.

3. The Essential perspective on praise. (vv.13-14)
Looking in, the heart of man is distracted toward many objects, people and philosophies,  But the God of heaven demands exclusive praise for what He has done and who He is.  Praises come from those who are near to God and enjoying His presence.

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