193 - The High Praises of God
Manage episode 454174882 series 3483220
In Psalm 149, the Psalmist praises God for His salvation and judgment, singing: "Praise the LORD! [Hallelujah!] Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance. Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp" (vs. 1-3, NKJV). It is a good thing to praise God; to praise Him in songs and even in dance; and to praise Him with musical instruments. Why? "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation" (v. 4, NKJV). We experience beautification through our humble praises of the Lord, our God. The Lord takes pleasure in praise.
The Psalmist continues: "Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds" (v. 5, NKJV). There is no time when we can't praise God, even while in bed. "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth . . ." (v. 6a, NKJV). Notice the text says to let the "high praises of God" be spoken by the believer, but then the Psalmist goes in a different direction. "And a two-edged sword in their hand" (v. 6b, NKJV). "To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the people; To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment -- This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!" (vs. 7-9, NKJV).
What is this two-edged sword? It's the Word of God: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intent of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV). The word, "discerner" in this verse means "judge" and we, as believers are to judge the intents of the heart, but be careful, for this sword is two-edged -- it cuts two ways. This is a form of the high praises of God. Join me as we explore how judgment based on God's Word can be the highest form of praise to God. For "this honor have all His saints" (Psalm 149:9:b, NKJV).
Let me hear from you - Charles
https://www.aboundinglove.org/
Subscribe and share with someone you love.
84 حلقات