From the Rising of the Sun To Its Setting
Scripture Passage: Psalm 113:1-9 (NASB)
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the Lord is to be praised.
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?7 He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 To make them sit with princes,
With the princes of His people.
9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
SUMMARY
This passage begins with a powerful exhortation to all the people of God to praise the Lord. The psalmist declares in verse 2, "Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever," which reminds us that His name is to be praised and blessed throughout all eternity without ceasing. "From the rising of the sun to its setting" (v. 3) or from east to west, all around the world, on every corner on this earth His Name is to be praised. Our God is worthy of praise simply because of who He is — the Almighty, the Creator of the universe who is above all creation and every nation that ever existed and will come in the future.
The psalmist also asks, "Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself," (vv. 5-6) making a clear contrast between our true living God and the false gods that are not able to save nor able to care for the people.
In loving kindness, God stooped down into our sinful world and took notice of our brokenness and captivity in darkness. He broke the chains that were binding us and rescued us who were spiritually bankrupt and condemned to eternal death. He lifted us out of the grave and the heap of "ash" (v. 7), or dunghill, our most desperate and filthy state.
God gives His people a new life and identity, like that of a royalty. He bestows upon His people honor, a new purpose, and position in His eternal kingdom. He makes barren people and nations to be fruitful and fills their lives with joy of seeing their heritage multiply.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
As the Psalmist declares, "Praise the Lord!" Our hearts will be filled with worship and overwhelmed with gratitude when we reflect upon what God has done for us. God who is Almighty, All-knowing, Sovereign, the Great I Am, the Everlasting God, the Alpha and Omega, and the Beginning and the End loves this world so much that He gave up what is most valuable to Him, His only Son. This is the greatest love story. This truth holds our world together and allows sinful people that were once dead in sin to have new life. We were spiritually bankrupt and covered with the filth of this world, but in His mercy, God paid the greatest sacrifice, as Jesus cried out on the cross, "Tetelestai" (John 19:30), or "It is paid in full."
When I think about this grand scheme of God's work that was planned before the foundation of this world and continues to this day, it just makes me realize how great God is. Sometimes, I find myself in tunnel vision where I “see” the world through what I perceive, feel or believe at the moment. Then the stresses and problems that I see around me becomes much greater than it really is. If I meditate on the Word of God and understand God's heart for me, then I can find peace and even joy that surpasses my situation. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty!"( Ps 8:3-5). God has bestowed upon His children, and upon me this new identity in His family to be called by His name. We are called to join in the great calling that was upon Apostle Paul, Jesus’ disciples, Queen Esther who trusted the God of Israel, King David, who was after God's own heart, and other princes and princesses. Just as in verse 9, God makes the barren woman to be filled with the joy of her children. God's people are to be fruitful in our labor for His Kingdom and be fruitful in sharing the Gospel to nonbelievers. This is only possible through the power of God.
APPLICATION
I will make it a priority to spend time in worship and praise every morning. I need to have a clear vision of how big God is through the Scripture so that I can see my world in proper perspective. I can't do these things in my own efforts so I will ask Holy Spirit to give me the desire and strength to live out my calling. I really want to be obedient and faithful to what God has called me to do. Just as God took notice of me in my broken state and still loved me and took me in, I want to find those that are poor in spirit and show them the value they have in Christ.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, open the eyes of my heart to see the true beauty of who God is. Help me to see where You are working and grant me courage to take the steps to reach out to them. Break my heart for those things that break Your heart. Help me to love and embrace the truth in Your Word. Amen.
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