Psalm 150 is the last chapter in the book of Psalms. It is a closing hymn of praise. The author is not known, but he shares with us that God's creation praises him everywhere in every way. We should join this rejoicing song of praise.
Music and song were an integral part of Old Testament worship. David introduced music into the tabernacle and temple services, found in 1 Chronicles 16:4-6. The music must have been loud and joyous as was also evidenced by the list of instruments and the presence of choirs and song leaders. Music was also important in New Testament worship as well
(Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).
1 Chronicles 16:4-6 - "He (David) appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. 6-Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab,Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets before the ark of the covenant of God"
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord"
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God"
Psalm 150:6 - "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD"
How could the message be any more clear? The writer was telling the individual listeners to praise God. What a fitting way to end this book of praise - with a direct encouragement for you to praise God too. Remember to praise him every day!
In a way, the book of Psalms parallels our spiritual journey through life. It begins by presenting us with two roads - the way to life and the way to death. If we choose God's way to life, we still face both blessings and troubles, joy and grief, successes and obstacles. Throughout it all, God is at our side, guiding, encouraging, comforting and caring.
As the wise and faithful person's life draws to an end, he or she realizes clearly that God's road is the right road, Knowing this will cause us to praise God for leading us in the right direction and for assuring our place in the perfect world God has in store for those who have faithfully followed him.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Psalm 149 - A Victory Celebration
Psalm 149 is known as a victory celebration. The author, who is not known, shares with us that we have the assurance that God truly enjoys his people.
Although the Bible invites us to praise God, we often are not sure how to go about it. In verses 3-5, several ways are suggested - in the dance, with the voice, with musical instruments. God enjoys his people, and we should enjoy praising him!
In verses 6 and 7, we read about a double-edged sword. This symbolizes the completeness of judgment that will be executed by the Messiah when he returns to punish all evildoers.
Psalm 149 / New International Version
Although the Bible invites us to praise God, we often are not sure how to go about it. In verses 3-5, several ways are suggested - in the dance, with the voice, with musical instruments. God enjoys his people, and we should enjoy praising him!
In verses 6 and 7, we read about a double-edged sword. This symbolizes the completeness of judgment that will be executed by the Messiah when he returns to punish all evildoers.
Psalm 149 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
4 For the Lord takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.
6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his saints.
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,
9 to carry out the sentence written against them—
this is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the Lord.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Psalm 148 - Let All Creation Praise and Worship
The author of Psalm 148 is not known, however, the author brings to our attention a psalm that praises the Lord and allows us to worship our Lord whole-heartedly.
All creation is like a majestic symphony or a great choir composed of many harmonious parts that together offer up songs of praise. Each part (independent, yet part of the whole) is caught up and carried along in the swelling tides of praise. This is a picture of how we as believers should praise God - individually, yet as part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Are you singing your part well in the worldwide choir of praise?
Psalm 148 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
All creation is like a majestic symphony or a great choir composed of many harmonious parts that together offer up songs of praise. Each part (independent, yet part of the whole) is caught up and carried along in the swelling tides of praise. This is a picture of how we as believers should praise God - individually, yet as part of the great choir of believers worldwide. Are you singing your part well in the worldwide choir of praise?
Psalm 148 / New International Version
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 and He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
for he commanded and they were created.
6 and He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Psalm 147 - God's Greatest Joy
The author of Psalm 147 is not known, but the author shares with us that God's greatest joy comes from our genuine worship and trust.
Psalm 147:5 - "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit"
Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourselves - what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit and therefore he understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.
Psalm 147:10 - "... the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love"
We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or increase our strength. There is nothing wrong with doing so, and in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our fear (reverence) and trust that God desires. When he has those then he will use our skills and strength in ways far greater than we can imagine.
Psalm 147:19,20 - "He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. 20-He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD"
The nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) was special to God because to its people God brought his laws and through its people he sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe in and obey God.
Psalm 147:5 - "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit"
Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourselves - what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit and therefore he understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself.
Psalm 147:10 - "... the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love"
We spend much effort trying to sharpen our skills or increase our strength. There is nothing wrong with doing so, and in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our skills with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our fear (reverence) and trust that God desires. When he has those then he will use our skills and strength in ways far greater than we can imagine.
Psalm 147:19,20 - "He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. 20-He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD"
The nation of Israel (the descendants of Jacob) was special to God because to its people God brought his laws and through its people he sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe in and obey God.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Psalm 146 - The Help of Man vs. The Help of God
The author of Psalm 146 is not known, but it shares with us a contrast between the help of man vs the help of God in our lives. Help from man is temporal and unstable, but help from God is lasting and complete. As an extra bit of information, these next five psalms (146-150), overflow with praise. Each begins and ends with "Praise the LORD." They show us where, why and how to praise God.
What does praise do?
It takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings, and focuses them on God; it leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship; it causes us to consider and appreciate God's character; and it lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
In verses 3-8 (below), the psalmist portrays man as an inadequate savior, a false hope, even princes cannot deliver. God is the hope and help of the needy. Jesus affirms his concern for the poor and afflicted in Luke 4:18-21 and 7:21-23. He does not separate the social and spiritual needs of people, but attends to both. While God, not the government, is the hope of the needy, we are his instruments to help here on earth.
Psalm 146:9 - "The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked"
God's plans frustrate the "ways of the wicked" because his values are the opposite of society's. Jesus turned society's values upside down when he proclaimed the "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30), and that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it"
(Matthew 16:25). Don't be surprised when others don't understand your Christian values, but don't give into theirs.
What does praise do?
It takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings, and focuses them on God; it leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship; it causes us to consider and appreciate God's character; and it lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
In verses 3-8 (below), the psalmist portrays man as an inadequate savior, a false hope, even princes cannot deliver. God is the hope and help of the needy. Jesus affirms his concern for the poor and afflicted in Luke 4:18-21 and 7:21-23. He does not separate the social and spiritual needs of people, but attends to both. While God, not the government, is the hope of the needy, we are his instruments to help here on earth.
Psalm 146:9 - "The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked"
God's plans frustrate the "ways of the wicked" because his values are the opposite of society's. Jesus turned society's values upside down when he proclaimed the "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30), and that "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it"
(Matthew 16:25). Don't be surprised when others don't understand your Christian values, but don't give into theirs.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Psalm 145 - A Time Will Come
Psalm 145 was written by David and he shares with us that a time will come when all people will join together in recognizing and worshiping God.
Psalm 145:14 - "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down"
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because his greatness is unfathomable (v3); because he does mighty acts across many generations (v4); because he is full of glorious splendor and majesty (v5); because he does wonderful and awesome works (v5-6); because he is righteous (v7); because he is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving (v8-9); because he rules over an everlasting kingdom (v13); because he is our source of all our daily needs
(v15-16); because he is righteous and loving in all his dealings (v17); because he remains near to those who call on him (v18); because he hears our cries and saves us (v19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.
Psalm 145:14 - "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down"
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because his greatness is unfathomable (v3); because he does mighty acts across many generations (v4); because he is full of glorious splendor and majesty (v5); because he does wonderful and awesome works (v5-6); because he is righteous (v7); because he is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving (v8-9); because he rules over an everlasting kingdom (v13); because he is our source of all our daily needs
(v15-16); because he is righteous and loving in all his dealings (v17); because he remains near to those who call on him (v18); because he hears our cries and saves us (v19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Psalm 144 - Rejoicing In God's Care
Most of the psalms are prayers and most of the prayers include praise to God. Praise expresses admiration, appreciation, and thanks. Praise in the book of Psalms is often directed to God and just as often the praise is shared with others. Considering all that God has done and does for us, what could be more natural than outbursts of heartfelt praise?
As you read Psalms, note the praise given to God, not only for what he does - his creation, his blessings, his forgiveness - but also for who he is - loving, just, faithful, forgiving, patient.
Psalm 144 was written by David and he shares with us that in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed are those who believe in the Lord, because we CAN rejoice in God's care. It may be tough sometimes - but believing and trusting in His ways, can bring you through hard times and allow you to see a beautiful horizon in the future.
Psalm 144:3,4 - "O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4-Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow"
Life is short! David reminds us that it is "like a breath" and that our "days are like a fleeting shadow." James says that our lives are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Because life is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don't waste your life by selecting an interior purpose that has no lasting value. Live for God! He alone can make your life worthwhile, purposeful, and meaningful.
As you read Psalms, note the praise given to God, not only for what he does - his creation, his blessings, his forgiveness - but also for who he is - loving, just, faithful, forgiving, patient.
Psalm 144 was written by David and he shares with us that in times of prosperity or adversity, blessed are those who believe in the Lord, because we CAN rejoice in God's care. It may be tough sometimes - but believing and trusting in His ways, can bring you through hard times and allow you to see a beautiful horizon in the future.
Psalm 144:3,4 - "O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4-Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow"
Life is short! David reminds us that it is "like a breath" and that our "days are like a fleeting shadow." James says that our lives are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Because life is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don't waste your life by selecting an interior purpose that has no lasting value. Live for God! He alone can make your life worthwhile, purposeful, and meaningful.
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