Psalm 148
Sunday, 2 October 2022
“Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.” -Psalm 148:5
A Psalm of great praise to the Creator! It begins by calling for praise from the heavenly realm, the place where God is enthroned as King over the universe. It is interesting to note that the word "praise" (hallel) is used 13 times in this psalm. The idea of creation praising God is found in many places in the Scripture (Psalm 98:7-8; Isaiah 55:12); but this is the only place where specifically it is said that the sun and moon and stars should praise Him. The Lord created everything in the universe and He holds all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:2,3). Their continued existence gives them reason to praise the God who is the cause of it. The all-inclusiveness of praise seen in this Psalm implies that all creation- human beings alongside with other animals and inanimate objects of the earth are called to praise God.
We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light. But we know that there is above us a world of blessed angels who are always praising God- the hosts of them giving Him praise continually. The heavens and all in them declare the glory of God. And they call on us both by word and deed to glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe.
When all creation joins in praise to the Creator, we understand His majesty and His reign over all. All creation does God Almighty’s bidding-the fire, hail, snow, clouds, stormy winds, all fulfil His Word (V.8). It makes us stand in awe of the Almighty who is powerful and mighty!
Towards the end of the Psalm two reasons are given for all to join in the praise of the name of the "LORD" - First is that His name alone is exalted above the earth and heavens just as described in verse 13. The second basis for praise (verse 14) here is God's exalting of His covenant people, His saints- those who are faithfully devoted to Him. He is to be praised as He has bestowed them favour, blessings and kindness.
Thus being His saints, we can find ourselves having a ministry which is to praise God. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” We are His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession— to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Peter 2:9). Let us show that we are his saints by praising his name continually. He is not only our Creator, but our Redeemer, who made us righteous by taking away our sins by dying and shedding His blood on the cross for our salvation! May our lives be given to Him in continual praise! More so-a life of praise!
To Act on: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6)
Comments