I usually watch sports on television, as
opposed to going to the game. It’s
cheaper, the seats are more comfortable, and I love instant replay. That being said, there is something special
about being at the game. It unites
thousands of people into common cause as together we root for our team. When something good happens the whole crowd
stands as one and cheers. We shout for
joy as our team excels and does well.
We don’t see this kind of reaction as often
in response to matters of our faith, but today’s psalm begins with the
admonition, “Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!” There is a sense in this verse that it is
right, fitting, and even beautiful to praise the LORD with loud voice, in song
and celebration. Indeed, v. 3 plainly
states, “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud
shouts.”
God would have us marvel and be in awe of
what he has done for us. He would have
praise as we are amazed at His creation.
He would receive worship because of the salvation He has won for us in
Jesus. He would accept our songs and
praises because His Word is powerful and it accomplishes what He sends it forth
to do; that is create faith in us, give us forgiveness and reconcile us to
Himself.
V. 8 calls out, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants
of the world stand in awe of him!” To fear the LORD is to put our faith and trust in Him. This is an invitation for everyone to put
their hope in God who is above all the gods of this world. We fear Him in is power and might, yet it is
in that supreme power that He redeems us.
God displayed that power in Jesus as He raised Him from the dead. He speaks and it happens.
Our God is the only God who acts on behalf of
His people. Throughout the Bible this
message is held forth for us. He defends
us by bringing the counsel of the nations to nothing, breaking and hindering
the evil designs of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature.
God looks down from heaven and sees, yet He
doesn’t only see. “The king is not saved
by his great army,” says the psalm. It
is the LORD who acts to save His people. “Behold,
the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him … that he may deliver their soul from death and
keep them alive in famine.”
Apply that verse to the whole history of
mankind. The eye of the LORD was on Adam and Eve when
they were tempted and ate the fruit. He
acted immediately with the promise of a savior.
Over and over again, God’s eyes were on His people, and He, in the
fullness of time, sent forth His Son to be born of woman, born under Law to
redeem those under Law. He continues to
see what occurs in our lives and intervenes at just the right time and in just
the right way. Sometimes He acts
miraculously. Other times He delivers a
word of comfort or encouragement through a brother or sister in Christ. He speaks words of forgiveness and salvation
in our worship services and delivers salvation in the Lord’s Supper. And there are times where His intervention takes
the form of earthly death, when we leave this vale of tears and live with Jesus
in paradise.
God’s timing is always perfect and He brings
salvation to all who trust in Him.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in You.
Let our eyes ever be focused on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our salvation. Make us bold to declare that You are our God,
and let our declaration serve as witness to the world to call them to believe
in You through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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