Read Psalm 136.
Many have read this psalm wondering why the same phrase is repeated twenty-six times.
Musically, this is an antiphonal song. There are several ways it may be used. Commonly, the leader could sing the first line and the people would respond with the refrain. Equally, it could be presented by two groups of singers or choirs.
Scripturally, the repetition drives home the message. Love is primarily a commitment. Yes, emotions are involved, but true love is evidenced by faithfulness no matter what. God's love is well documented and also experienced throughout each day. As the songwriter reminds us, it is not God's love that is wanting but our gratitude.
1. God's love is seen in His character. (vv.1-4)
Who He is. He is good. He is God of gods and LORD of lords. He alone is all -powerful. As the one and only eternal God, His love will not change. He will be faithful forever.
2. God's love is seen in His creation. (vv.5-9)
What He has made. He made the heavens and the earth. He made the sun, moon, stars and planets and placed them into orbit. To deny that God created these things is to rob Him of His glory and to spurn His love.
3. God's love is seen in His control. (vv.10-22)
What He has done. Israel consistently reviewed the historic evidences of God's intervention in their lives. They never got over the Exodus. They recounted time and again how the LORD spared them against their enemies. It was His love that causes God to act on our behalf.
4. God's love is seen in His care. (vv.23-25)
What He has done for us. The God of heaven is personally knowable. He loved us when we did not love Him. He came to our rescue at times when we did not even know we were in trouble. He faithfully supplies our needs.
5. God's love is seen in Christ.
What He has done to forgive us. "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Our first step of gratitude is to embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Our wholehearted response then is-- "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
3 reasons to praise the LORD Today
Read Psalm 135.
The songwriter begins with a general call to praise Jehovah. He urged the priests who served in God's house to praise the LORD. As the verses progress, he gave specific reasons that underpin such a response to the God of heaven.
1. His sovereign choosing of His people. (v.4)
To fulfill His messianic plan, God chose Abraham, He chose Isaac, He chose Jacob. The people of Israel were not selected because they were the biggest or the best but solely because it pleased God to do so. It was totally unmerited favor on His part. And, so it is with every believer in Jesus. There is nothing in us that warrants the forgiveness and kindness of the LORD. Yet, it pleases Him to extend His grace to us. Praise the LORD!
2. His sovereign control of His creation.
Since He is the Creator, He is the Owner. He has the right to do as He wishes with His property. The psalmist provided several examples of God's control.
--The LORD is in ultimate control of nature. Heaven, earth, the seas, rain, and wind obey Him. (vv.5-7)
--The LORD is in ultimate control of nations. The historical evidence is clear. God puts down one and raises another as it pleases Him. (vv.8-12)
--The LORD is in ultimate control of notions. People, in rejection of God, will seek other means of life-guidance. They will carve or cast their own gods. They will worship items of God's creation on earth or in the heavens. They will shuffle cards, read palms and tea leaves. They will pretend that there is a god inside themselves and try all means of self-help. Anything and everything may be worshiped once a person rejects the LORD and refuses to learn the Scriptures. (vv.15-18) There is only one true and living God and He is personally knowable. He has provided His manual for life. Praise the LORD!
3. His sovereign compassion on His people. (vv.13-14)
God's people are not perfect. They experience hardships, injustices, and times of great need. What makes the difference for those who have a personal relationship with the LORD is our instant access to the Throne of Grace. Forgiven and in right standing with Him, God encourages us to come boldly, with confidence, "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Praise the LORD!
The songwriter begins with a general call to praise Jehovah. He urged the priests who served in God's house to praise the LORD. As the verses progress, he gave specific reasons that underpin such a response to the God of heaven.
1. His sovereign choosing of His people. (v.4)
To fulfill His messianic plan, God chose Abraham, He chose Isaac, He chose Jacob. The people of Israel were not selected because they were the biggest or the best but solely because it pleased God to do so. It was totally unmerited favor on His part. And, so it is with every believer in Jesus. There is nothing in us that warrants the forgiveness and kindness of the LORD. Yet, it pleases Him to extend His grace to us. Praise the LORD!
2. His sovereign control of His creation.
Since He is the Creator, He is the Owner. He has the right to do as He wishes with His property. The psalmist provided several examples of God's control.
--The LORD is in ultimate control of nature. Heaven, earth, the seas, rain, and wind obey Him. (vv.5-7)
--The LORD is in ultimate control of nations. The historical evidence is clear. God puts down one and raises another as it pleases Him. (vv.8-12)
--The LORD is in ultimate control of notions. People, in rejection of God, will seek other means of life-guidance. They will carve or cast their own gods. They will worship items of God's creation on earth or in the heavens. They will shuffle cards, read palms and tea leaves. They will pretend that there is a god inside themselves and try all means of self-help. Anything and everything may be worshiped once a person rejects the LORD and refuses to learn the Scriptures. (vv.15-18) There is only one true and living God and He is personally knowable. He has provided His manual for life. Praise the LORD!
3. His sovereign compassion on His people. (vv.13-14)
God's people are not perfect. They experience hardships, injustices, and times of great need. What makes the difference for those who have a personal relationship with the LORD is our instant access to the Throne of Grace. Forgiven and in right standing with Him, God encourages us to come boldly, with confidence, "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Praise the LORD!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Let the worship Begin
Read Psalm 134.
This is the last of the songs of ascents. One can almost feel the worshiper getting closer to the Tabernacle; perhaps, it was in sight. When they could see the Levites standing at their assigned posts, ready to serve the people, the travelers broke out in praise.
Traditional worship services begin with a "Call to Worship." This brief psalm serves a similar purpose.
1. It is a call to praise the LORD.
Upward. He is the object of our worship. So many become enamored (or distracted) by the building, the style of music, or the people around them and are not engaged in true worship. Worship is the bowing down in submission and thanksgiving to the Person of God Himself. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
2. It is a call to praise the LORD together.
Inward. Making public worship a priority is not an option for a believer. We need to come together for teaching of God's Word, singing together, encouraging each other, and prayer. To be a believer in Jesus is to be an active participant in a local church. The New Testament does not know of any other kind of follower of Christ.
"...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)
3. It is a call to the LORD to bless their nation.
Outward. The concern of our worship is make God famous. We not only want the LORD's blessings upon our nation, but we want our nation to bless God! One who knows the LORD wants others to come to know Him too. Inspired and equipped, believers leave the occasion of public worship to serve God in the everyday places He has assigned them.
This is the last of the songs of ascents. One can almost feel the worshiper getting closer to the Tabernacle; perhaps, it was in sight. When they could see the Levites standing at their assigned posts, ready to serve the people, the travelers broke out in praise.
Traditional worship services begin with a "Call to Worship." This brief psalm serves a similar purpose.
1. It is a call to praise the LORD.
Upward. He is the object of our worship. So many become enamored (or distracted) by the building, the style of music, or the people around them and are not engaged in true worship. Worship is the bowing down in submission and thanksgiving to the Person of God Himself. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
2. It is a call to praise the LORD together.
Inward. Making public worship a priority is not an option for a believer. We need to come together for teaching of God's Word, singing together, encouraging each other, and prayer. To be a believer in Jesus is to be an active participant in a local church. The New Testament does not know of any other kind of follower of Christ.
"...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)
3. It is a call to the LORD to bless their nation.
Outward. The concern of our worship is make God famous. We not only want the LORD's blessings upon our nation, but we want our nation to bless God! One who knows the LORD wants others to come to know Him too. Inspired and equipped, believers leave the occasion of public worship to serve God in the everyday places He has assigned them.
Monday, February 24, 2014
A case for Unity
Read Psalm 133.
Walking together to the celebration, they sang this song of unity.
1. The fragrance of unity.
The psalm begins with reference to an earthly view of oneness. It is a family of faith; brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the LORD. David compared such unity to the anointing of the high priest. The ceremony included pouring a very fragrant oil over his head until it ran down his face. The smell would have filled the entire immediate area and he would have carried that smell everywhere he went.
Christians give off a odor as well. Nothing smells worse than a body of believers that cannot get along with each other. It is most often the result of spiritual immaturity and/or sin. The basis of our unity is our one faith in Jesus. It is the unending work of church leaders to help believers to grow in maturity and obedience to Christ. The family of God is to be serving together working in ministry, not gossiping or tearing down each other. "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris." (Ephesians 4:12-13)
The unbelieving world desperately needs to smell the fragrance of Christ on us.
2. The fruit of unity.
The psalm concludes with reference to a heavenly view of oneness. The illustration is of dew falling on Mount Hermon. In this dry and arid place, any moisture is precious. With little rain, what dew falls sustains the plant life that is there. Joining together with like-minded folks who are committed to unity is refreshing. The world can sap energy and bring dryness to the soul. Worshiping and serving the LORD together is invigorating to the spirit, encourages our growth, and sustains us. But there is more. The blessing of the LORD is eternal life.
We need to practice unity with other believers here because we are going to spend eternity together.
Walking together to the celebration, they sang this song of unity.
1. The fragrance of unity.
The psalm begins with reference to an earthly view of oneness. It is a family of faith; brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the LORD. David compared such unity to the anointing of the high priest. The ceremony included pouring a very fragrant oil over his head until it ran down his face. The smell would have filled the entire immediate area and he would have carried that smell everywhere he went.
Christians give off a odor as well. Nothing smells worse than a body of believers that cannot get along with each other. It is most often the result of spiritual immaturity and/or sin. The basis of our unity is our one faith in Jesus. It is the unending work of church leaders to help believers to grow in maturity and obedience to Christ. The family of God is to be serving together working in ministry, not gossiping or tearing down each other. "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris." (Ephesians 4:12-13)
The unbelieving world desperately needs to smell the fragrance of Christ on us.
2. The fruit of unity.
The psalm concludes with reference to a heavenly view of oneness. The illustration is of dew falling on Mount Hermon. In this dry and arid place, any moisture is precious. With little rain, what dew falls sustains the plant life that is there. Joining together with like-minded folks who are committed to unity is refreshing. The world can sap energy and bring dryness to the soul. Worshiping and serving the LORD together is invigorating to the spirit, encourages our growth, and sustains us. But there is more. The blessing of the LORD is eternal life.
We need to practice unity with other believers here because we are going to spend eternity together.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Anticipating Worship
Read Psalm 132.
As the pilgrims continued up Zion's hill to worship God, they would sing this prayer. It served as a reminder of the past and encouraged them with some certain promises of the future. In this song are the elements of true worship.
1. The place of public worship. (vv.1-5)
King David made it his priority to have a place where God would be worshiped. First, he relocated the Ark of the Covenant and then raised the funds to build the Temple. Everyone came to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and offer sacrifices.
2. The keys to public worship. (vv.6-12)
Verse 7 provides a visual of the definition of the word "worship." It has to do with bowing down in an act of surrender to God for who He is. The elements of worship are all here: God's presence, leaders serving, people audibly rejoicing.
3. The promise of future worship. (vv.14-18)
God chose Jerusalem for His special attention and presence for all time. The horn and anointed are references to the coming Messiah. One day Jesus will rule and reign on earth and the world will once again look to that city as the center of public worship.
As the pilgrims continued up Zion's hill to worship God, they would sing this prayer. It served as a reminder of the past and encouraged them with some certain promises of the future. In this song are the elements of true worship.
1. The place of public worship. (vv.1-5)
King David made it his priority to have a place where God would be worshiped. First, he relocated the Ark of the Covenant and then raised the funds to build the Temple. Everyone came to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and offer sacrifices.
2. The keys to public worship. (vv.6-12)
Verse 7 provides a visual of the definition of the word "worship." It has to do with bowing down in an act of surrender to God for who He is. The elements of worship are all here: God's presence, leaders serving, people audibly rejoicing.
God chose Jerusalem for His special attention and presence for all time. The horn and anointed are references to the coming Messiah. One day Jesus will rule and reign on earth and the world will once again look to that city as the center of public worship.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Satisfaction Found
Read Psalm 131.
From the slaying of Goliath to his national leadership, King David is well-known for his great victories. Such a track record can wrongly feed a man's ego. Many feel they must pursue big goals to achieve a sense of self-worth. Driven by selfish ambition, life becomes a competitive game to win over others. But not so with David.
The "man after God's own heart" set as his goal to conduct himself in a humble manner. First, as a young man, he learned to be a good shepherd and serve the needs of his sheep. He transferred those same skills to leading Israel's army and ultimately the nation. In this brief song, he addressed some of his innermost feelings.
1. The Absence of Pride. (v.1)
David performed a spiritual EKG. His heart showed an absence of ego-mania. He was not driven by selfish ambition. Next came the eye examination. His vision and what he longed to accomplish was not the impossible dream. He knew his limitations. He recognized his giftedness and the opportunities God had given to him. A servant's heart and a commitment to faithfulness will guard us against sinful pride.
2. The Presence of Peace. (v.2)
An infant is the picture of total dependence and selfishness. The baby does not care what time it is or the feelings of anyone around them. When they have a need they let it be known immediately and loudly. There is no patience in them. They want what they want and they want it now. But as one matures, there is a growing ability to care for one's basic needs. A transition takes place from looking to mother for nursing to seeking her for comfort. David said that he had disciplined himself to calm down and quiet his soul. How the LORD loves for us to run to Him for such quiet comfort and inner peace.
"You will keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)
3. The Essence of the Promise. (v.3)
To give up one's pride and selfishness means a surrender to something or someone else. To discover peace in a time of upheaval and great need means there must be something or someone who is trustworthy and transcends all the world around us. David openly declared that his hope was in the LORD. He called upon his nation to place their hope in the LORD and experience the satisfaction found only in Him.
From the slaying of Goliath to his national leadership, King David is well-known for his great victories. Such a track record can wrongly feed a man's ego. Many feel they must pursue big goals to achieve a sense of self-worth. Driven by selfish ambition, life becomes a competitive game to win over others. But not so with David.
The "man after God's own heart" set as his goal to conduct himself in a humble manner. First, as a young man, he learned to be a good shepherd and serve the needs of his sheep. He transferred those same skills to leading Israel's army and ultimately the nation. In this brief song, he addressed some of his innermost feelings.
1. The Absence of Pride. (v.1)
David performed a spiritual EKG. His heart showed an absence of ego-mania. He was not driven by selfish ambition. Next came the eye examination. His vision and what he longed to accomplish was not the impossible dream. He knew his limitations. He recognized his giftedness and the opportunities God had given to him. A servant's heart and a commitment to faithfulness will guard us against sinful pride.
2. The Presence of Peace. (v.2)
An infant is the picture of total dependence and selfishness. The baby does not care what time it is or the feelings of anyone around them. When they have a need they let it be known immediately and loudly. There is no patience in them. They want what they want and they want it now. But as one matures, there is a growing ability to care for one's basic needs. A transition takes place from looking to mother for nursing to seeking her for comfort. David said that he had disciplined himself to calm down and quiet his soul. How the LORD loves for us to run to Him for such quiet comfort and inner peace.
"You will keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)
3. The Essence of the Promise. (v.3)
To give up one's pride and selfishness means a surrender to something or someone else. To discover peace in a time of upheaval and great need means there must be something or someone who is trustworthy and transcends all the world around us. David openly declared that his hope was in the LORD. He called upon his nation to place their hope in the LORD and experience the satisfaction found only in Him.
Monday, February 17, 2014
A cry for Mercy
Read Psalm 130.
This is a deep cry for mercy. We are not told the source of the anguish. It does seem to be that the nation was under some punishment for their sins. While he prayed for relief, the psalmist processed thoughts with which we all can identify.
1. Their condition. (v.3)
As he prayed, immediately the feelings of guilt and unworthiness surfaced. God keeps records of every sinful thought, word and deed. Revelation 20:12 shows The Judge in heaven opening the books and holding each person accountable for every unforgiven violation. Who can possibly stand under such judgment? The answer is no one. We are helpless to help ourselves.
2. God's character. (vv.4, 7-8)
This is a deep cry for mercy. We are not told the source of the anguish. It does seem to be that the nation was under some punishment for their sins. While he prayed for relief, the psalmist processed thoughts with which we all can identify.
1. Their condition. (v.3)
As he prayed, immediately the feelings of guilt and unworthiness surfaced. God keeps records of every sinful thought, word and deed. Revelation 20:12 shows The Judge in heaven opening the books and holding each person accountable for every unforgiven violation. Who can possibly stand under such judgment? The answer is no one. We are helpless to help ourselves.
2. God's character. (vv.4, 7-8)
The good news unfolds for us in that little phrase "But with you..." The help we so desperately need comes from the intervention of God and His grace. Gratefully, He offers what we cannot provide.
*Forgiveness. The only basis for the forgiveness of any sin is the once and for all, sinless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The blood sacrifices under the Old Testament only covered the sin until the time the Messiah would take away it away (John 1:29). When a person confesses their sin to Jesus, He forgives, removes, and cleans the account against us.
*Hope. People lose hope when they see no way out of their crisis. Once forgiven, our relationship with the LORD is restored and we have all the power of God at work on our behalf. Our focus of the future then is not on our circumstances but on the plan and purposes God has for our lives.
3. Their consequence. (vv. 5-6)
Sin may be forgiven, but the consequences remain. With every sin there is a loss of some kind--in a relationship, an opportunity, a reward, or a punishment. Though forgiveness is available, not everyone comes to God for His mercy. This is a part of the psalmist's call to the nation. Even with forgiveness, the resolve of the consequence we may suffer takes time. Waiting for the LORD's timing to resolve our circumstances is a test of our trust in Him.
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