Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.” (6)

The redemption of God’s people has always been accompanied by ‘great power’ as well as mighty deeds. The first part of the psalm hints at the deliverance from Egypt and the provision of manna in the wilderness. Now the psalm moves to the time of Joshua and the conquering of the land of Canaan and reaches to our day and the inclusion of the whole world in the kingdom of Israel’s Messiah: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…” (Mt. 28:19)

“All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.” (7, 8)

What God does and what he says are forever tied together. His excellent words convey the absolute purity and trustworthiness of his character. We can lean the full weight of our lives upon the truth of what he has spoken.

“He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!” (9)

In this verse the basis of our worship is firmly established. The ransom required to free us from sin has been paid in full; the legal papers (covenant) declaring our pardon have been fully guaranteed by the integrity of God’s name. He has signed the document in his own blood. “We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us.” (Rom. 3:25) Jesus has done this for us; he is completely unique, his name is worthy of the deepest respect inspiring our overwhelming admiration.

IV ALL WHO OBEY HIM - v10- His Wisdom

“Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. “ (v10)

Wisdom is ‘ …not found in keen insight, nor wide experience, nor the learning of the schools but in the temper of reverence and awe…this for the Israelite was the starting point of all true wisdom 5 .’ This, the last verse of the poem ‘ …contains in a nutshell the whole Israelite theory of knowledge…every proper understanding of God is born of obedience 6 .’ This verse becomes the foundation for the explanation of God’s wisdom in the Book of Proverbs. It begins with reverence, godly fear and a healthy respect for the Lord expressed in obedient service. The wisdom of proverbs has its birth in the holy worship of the psalms.

“Praise his name forever!”

This is a fitting response to the Lord who has displayed his mighty deeds, revealed his unequaled power and confirms his eternal covenant to us by a continual intimate meal of bread and wine.

1 Kraus 2 Scroggie 3 Spurgeon 4 Keil & Delitzsch 5 Spence 6 Kraus

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