How do we praise God?
What a privilege it is to be a Christian! And yet, with that
privilege comes such responsibility! These two psalms remind us of both of
these facets of the walk of faith.
God delights in His people and saves them (149:4). And this
honour should make His people rejoice – even when they should be sleeping
(149:5)! This honour, however, will also mean that one day His people will
share in His rule, bringing vengeance on nations who do not acknowledge God as
their King (149:6-9). We will carry out the sentence given by Jesus, the good
Judge, who is also King and Maker. This, says the psalmist, is a glory that
awaits us as we sing His praises. Do we rejoice in the judgement to come, that
will bring about full justice for all the wrong that has happened on earth? Do
we rejoice in Jesus’ perfect justice? Do we rejoice that we will be a
privileged part of it?
Psalm 150 ends the psalter magnificently, especially after
the shock of the end of Psalm 149. Even if we don’t understand, even if we can,t
stomach the thought of this, Psalm 150 reminds us of our duty now as we go out
into our days - and lifts our eyes to the God who is sovereign and worthy of
praise. Praise the Lord! Praise Him generously – in all places and for all
things and in all ways and with everyone.
It is a great privilege to be a Christian. Let us all, in all
times and places, praise the Lord!
(friend of Christ Church