Weekly Devotional 15th of November, 2024
by Bruce Billington
Weekly Devotional 15th of November, 2024
We are continuing to explore the knowledge of God as expressed in the Psalms. This week we will look at Psalm 113 the author of which is unknown.
Psalm 113:4-6 – “4 The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. 5 Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high, 6 Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth?”
These verses declare that God is above all the nations and everything they contain. This includes all learning and all the so-called might of the Kings and leaders of the nations. Spurgeon describes this well, he says,
…the clouds are the dust of his feet, and the sun, moon, and stars twinkle far below his throne. Even the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. His glory cannot be set forth by the whole visible universe, nor even by the solemn pomp of angelic armies; it is above all conception and imagination, for he is God—infinite. Let us above all adore him who is above all.
Nothing in the whole realm of creation escapes His sight. There is no event or activity that goes unnoticed by Him, nothing that surprises Him and nothing that threatens Him in any way. His majestic rulership is unchallenged and unmatched by anything else in existence.
In a world where different religions abound and many gods are worshipped, we must boldly declare the truth that there is only one true and living God, and His name is Yahweh, Jehovah. Many people are deceived into thinking that all religions worship the same God or that the different religions of the world all lead to the same God. Nothing could be further from the truth. He alone is God; the only way to Him is through His Son Jesus Christ.
It is necessary to praise the Lord. Although it should come from our hearts, praising Him is also a command (Romans 15:11), which emphasises its necessity and importance. When we offer a “sacrifice of praise,” we choose to believe that even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good, can be trusted, is still in control, and can make the situation work for our good (Romans 8:28).
As the ages roll by in eternity, we will continue to offer our praise to Him. In the book of Revelation, John saw a vision of God’s people in heaven worshipping and praising Him around His holy throne (Revelation 4:9–11; 5:8–14). As we truly praise Him from our hearts, we are doing something that we will continue to do throughout eternity.
The POSB lists some of the reasons why we praise Him. It is because He is,
eternal; unchangeable; all-powerful; all-knowing; present everywhere; wise; true; faithful; righteous; just; holy; good; loving and merciful.
I am sure we could all add to this list, but our praise and worship are all we are able to offer Him for making Himself known to us. Matthew Henry tells us that “it is our business to praise Him; that is the work required of us as His servants.”
Let me encourage you to remind yourself and your fellow believers to seek to praise God every day. As we think about and consider who He is, we should ask Him to search our hearts and remind us if we are failing to give Him the glory He is due.
Let us offer up a sacrifice of praise continually, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15); proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9) and make the voice of our praise to Him be heard (Psalm 66:8).
As King of the universe, the LORD, the only true and living God, is worthy of our highest, most heartfelt praise. He deserves nothing less than the full measure of our attention and adoration. Thus, when we offer our praise to Him, we need to express appreciation for who He is and for His worthiness—realising that we can never fully grasp either one!
Amen.
God bless you.