Instruction
Scripture: Psalm 93
Often when we speak of the context of a passage it is with
the thought of what comes before or after the text in question. In this psalm
the context is of living in a land where people serve other gods. In the face
of such idolatry God’s people confess that He reigns and is almighty. This is
true of God now, always has been, and always will be. The psalm is a
declaration of our God’s sovereignty and calls upon the hearer to be in awe of
Him and to trust in Him above all gods.
Teaching
This psalm proclaims God’s might. This is perhaps an aspect
of God that we do not always consider in modern times. In David’s time God
would regularly have been compared to the gods of the nations around them. As
strange as it may sound, this still happens today. There are other religions
that vie for people’s worship. Not only that, but people have come to worship
reason and knowledge to the point that they declare God a quant and obsolete
notion – nothing like the powerful image presented here.
It is important for God’s people to continue to speak of
God’s might. The earth still under God’s command and we do well to point to the
knowledge that comes from observing the world and pointing back to the One who
made it all. What is more, God has displayed His power in a more magnificent
way in Jesus’ death in which He paid for our sins, and His resurrection.
Life
Have you ever considered God’s power? The Bible regularly
points to God’s creative work to say that He is the God among all gods. Nature
declares His awesome nature. Yet today we often see nature apart from its
Maker. We observe storms and seas, consider the smallest atom and the farthest
star, ponder the cell and its genetic material, and often receive them as parts
of the world without awe for the wisdom and power of the One who made them. We
do well to observe creation as exactly that: creation. Something made, crafted,
and designed. And we do well to give glory to the Creator for what He has made
proves that He is indeed awesome and powerful.
Prayer
O God, You are powerful above all gods. You are clothed in
majesty and power. You are the maker of all that there is, and without You
nothing has been established. As we think of the most fearful and powerful
things in this world, none of them compare to You. You reign above all and make
holy just decrees that bless and guide us.
Thank You for making us, O God. Thank You for placing us as
one of the glorious pieces of all You have made. Thank You for the many ways
that creation declares Your wisdom and power.
Forgive us for not being in awe of You and for failing to
see Your hand in leaf and root, rock and river, and plant and animal. Forgive
us for taking this world for granted, heedless of You its (and our!) Creator.
Lord, open our eyes to see all You have made and let us be
in awe of You. Grant that we would hear and obey Your trustworthy decrees and
worship You in all holiness as Your created and redeemed people. Amen.
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