June 19 BIBLE BLOG
Psalms 98-103; Today, we continue BOOK FOUR of the Psalms....
Psalm 98 is one of the many psalms we use to encourage non-singers to sing. It’s says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord,” not “make a pretty sound!” But Psalm 98 teaches us more; we sing because of the wonderful things God has done (v. 1). We sing because of the revelation of his salvation and righteousness (v. 2). We sing because of God’s faithfulness (v. 3). And what’s more, we sing because all creation sings his praises (vv. 7-8). Our song will hasten his coming!
Psalm 99 rings a different refrain: Holy is He! What does it mean to call God “holy” and to praise God for the attribute of “holiness?” Though God has stooped low in steadfast love to relate with his people, when we praise him for his holiness, we are stepping back in awe; we’re clapping our hands over our mouths in silence like Job (Job 40:4); we’re standing with God’s people in reverence at the smoking mountain. The holiness of God is his “otherness,” his “set-apartness.” We must never forget the awesome privilege we have in relationship with him.
Psalm 100, in musical form, is called the “Old Hundredth;” it is a favorite among the people of God! Many worship songs have flowed from its words. After the stark holiness of Psalm 99, it brings us back into loving presence of a God who makes Himself accessible to human beings!
Psalm 101 is a psalm of commitments. Read it through looking for each occurrence of the words, “I will.” Then make a list of things that David says he will do as king in Israel. Now, what will “you do?”
Psalm 102 has an inscription that perfectly describes its content: A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord. Notice the many figures of speech the author uses to intensify the description of his physical and emotional agony. I am like a desert owl, a lonely sparrow… (vv. 6-7); I eat ashes like bread… (v. 9); I wither away like grass (v. 11). In verse 12 we begin the transition between complaint and faith. By the end, despite his predicament, he can say: The children of your servants shall dwell secure (v. 28)!
Psalm 103 I’ve always called: “Our Insurance Psalm,” for David says, “Forget not all his benefits!” These benefits include forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, satisfaction and renewed youth (vv. 3-5). They are the overflow of his compassion (v. 13) and the proof of our position as his sons and daughters. Though we, in our physical lives, are frail and mortal, the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him (v. 17). So, by all means, let’s bless the Lord!
Tomorrow, we finish BOOK FOUR!
Your brother in the Word,
Pastor Gary
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