To Be a Christian is Exciting
September 11, 2021
Commentary
Some churches in America look down on hand clapping during the singing. With that in mind, we find an interesting commentary on the way God’s chosen people worshiped Him in olden times. Psalm 47 begins with a universal call to praise Israel’s God (v. 1). Is it possible that the worship service in many churches is too solemn? When asked why they left the church, many young people say that the services were dead and the preaching was boring. Our Lord is an awe-inspiring God. He redeemed Israel and settled them in their land. He calls on all the nations to be enthusiastic in praise to the Lord most high (vv. 2-3). “He is a great King over all the earth.”
God originally chose Canaan as a dwelling place for His people (Gen. 12:1-7). Later under David and Solomon He enlarged the boundaries (Gen. 15:18). It is exciting to know that God chose the land that was the pride of Jacob, His favorite (v. 4). One day He will rule the world with a rod of iron, through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Psalmist portrays God ascending His throne amid shouts of praise and the playing of trumpets (v. 5).
“Sing praises” occurs four times in verse six and once in verse seven (vv. 6-7). It sounds like it may have been a chant that the people on the sidelines sang as the priests and the Levites performed their duties in the temple. To those who believe in Him, the confidence that the truths of this Psalm will be fulfilled brings comfort and encouragement during distressing times. Abraham was the father of the Israelite nation (vv. 8-9). This one true God was sometimes called the “God of Abraham (Ex 3:6, I Kings 18:36) in a spiritual sense. God’s promises to Abraham apply to all who believe in God, Jew and Gentile. This Psalm, one of six psalms, celebrates the Lord’s kingship over all the earth. These last verses also speak prophetically of the time when the Lord will reign on the earth.
Application
Is my walk with the Lord exciting or boring? How many people do I know who are really enthused about serving the Lord? Is my enthusiasm catching in the lives of others?
Psalms 47:1–9 (NET)
1 All you nations, clap your hands. Shout out to God in celebration.
2 For the Lord Most High is awe-inspiring; he is the great king who rules the whole earth!
3 He subdued nations beneath us and countries under our feet.
4 He picked out for us a special land to be a source of pride for Jacob, whom he loves. (Selah)
5 God has ascended his throne amid loud shouts; the Lord has ascended amid the blaring of ram’s horns.
6 Sing to God! Sing! Sing to our king! Sing!
7 For God is king of the whole earth. Sing a well-written song.
8 God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble, along with the people of the God of Abraham, for God has authority over the rulers of the earth. He is highly exalted.
Blowing a Whistle During Offering Time
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