Psalm 148

How thrilling, better yet, how edifying, these Hillel Psalms that speak of God’s praiseworthiness in every setting.  Today it is a call to all “heaven and earth”. Here are my reflections.  Take time to record your own today!

Heaven, v1-6

·        v2: We are now in Jerusalem.  The latest Israel/Gaza conflict has an “angel” story in it.  Whether we see them or not they are real and perfectly serve their Creator.

·        v3: Around 2AM the morning of July 20 was the last time I saw the magnificence of the night sky that Montana offers.  I was with my son and granddaughter at Becker Lake in the Beartooth Mtns.  I stepped out of the tent on that moonless night.  The Milky Way glistened with brilliance.  The desire to praise the Creator was instantaneous and fulfilled.

·        v4: Much of this I don’t understand.  I need to visit again with our friend Mark Amunrud who always has well-thought-out ideas about these things.  But the glory of it all is the mystery of the Creator of heaven and earth.

Why are the heavens called to such praise?  Because the LORD commanded them into existence.  They are His handiwork and simply by their existence and function they declare His glory.

Earth, v7-14

·        v8: In these summer months in Jerusalem the gentle breeze calls for constant thanks to our good Creator and Sustainer.  Recently there was a well-attested story of a sudden wind blowing a Hamas rocket off course so it landed in the ocean rather than a populated area.  Israel’s Iron Dome failed to destroy it in 2 or 3 attempts.  Praise to the sovereign LORD.

·        v9: Walking around the Garden Tomb, we now have signs identifying many of the trees.  There are several fruit trees here that bear fruit at differing times of the year.  It is a joy when in the Arab and Jewish markets to always have an abundance and variety of Israel-produced fruit. Praise to our wise Creator.

·        v10: In the afore-mentioned backpacking trip in the Beartooths we were thankful to see one moose at first light Sunday morning.  While in Bryce Nat’l Park Cindy captured wonderful pictures of a deer, and even a crow (not my favorite bird).  ALL give unique praise to their exalted Creator.

·        v11: Oh, that the rulers of the nations would acknowledge the Creator and His decreed Anointed One, our Lord Jesus.  The phrase “wars and rumors of wars” so fits our world today and especially Israel.  But all any of them talk about it seems are their armies, their weapons, their plans, their negotiations, their… Where is the glory due His Name?!

·        v12: Here at the Garden the praise of the LORD is so evident in the staff.  There are Palestinians and Israelis who work together in full honor of His Name.  And even in this slow time the praise of many who come into this Garden is evident.  The sound of songs of praise in many languages is a staple here.  Last night at dinner we shared with our fellow volunteers the joys of worship at Central Bible Church.  The little orchestra and the congregation just filled that auditorium with the sounds of joyful praise.  And well we remember on our way through Montana meeting with the small gathering of believers in a home in Lewistown; how their praise filled that home, praise for the exalted LORD.  

Why should everything on earth praise the LORD?  Because He alone is exalted!  His glory is above the heavens and earth.  AND … do not miss it … He HAS exalted the horn of His people Israel, the greater Son of David, Jesus the Anointed One.  He is now in the heavenlies, at the right hand of the Majesty on High.  How I/we give great praise for the faith of Abraham, exercised by all believers today.  We praise You, our God, that in Christ we have been grafted in to the tree.  We are your saints.  May our praise this day reflect that reality!