An Ode to God
Psalm 104 is a lengthy song written to describe and praise God's honor and majesty. As such, the content is mostly about what God has done and is doing in creation. If you are ever in a position where you can't think about things for which to praise Him, please read this psalm!
Anyway, after going through the recitation of God's works, the psalmist writes these words:
The second sentence in the quotation also makes sense. The psalmist is praying that God will accept the content of the song as an offering of worship because it comes from a heart that is focused on the Lord of the Creation. Question: Do we ever present an offering of something to God that would be "sweet" to Him?
Then there is the statement about sinners being consumed from the earth...does that make sense? At first glance it seems to not belong, but actually it does fit, and quite well. After composing this song to honor God's creative power and might and majesty, the psalmist understands that God is awesome, God is almighty, and God is holy. Remember, worship begins with understanding who God is. When the psalmist worships by knowing his God, he then turns to look at the people in the wonderful creation and realize that they don't measure up to God's holiness. His understanding of God has caused him to have a proper understanding of sin and how repulsive it is to God. In other words, his worship has caused him to have a proper perspective. This is why the Psalm ends with praise:
Anyway, after going through the recitation of God's works, the psalmist writes these words:
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. May sinners be consumed from the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 104:33-35, NKJVThe first sentence in this quotation makes sense, doesn't it? After recounting the greatness of God in creation, what better way to respond than to sing praises to the Creator God? Question: Does thinking about the greatness of God cause you to burst into spontaneous song?
The second sentence in the quotation also makes sense. The psalmist is praying that God will accept the content of the song as an offering of worship because it comes from a heart that is focused on the Lord of the Creation. Question: Do we ever present an offering of something to God that would be "sweet" to Him?
Then there is the statement about sinners being consumed from the earth...does that make sense? At first glance it seems to not belong, but actually it does fit, and quite well. After composing this song to honor God's creative power and might and majesty, the psalmist understands that God is awesome, God is almighty, and God is holy. Remember, worship begins with understanding who God is. When the psalmist worships by knowing his God, he then turns to look at the people in the wonderful creation and realize that they don't measure up to God's holiness. His understanding of God has caused him to have a proper understanding of sin and how repulsive it is to God. In other words, his worship has caused him to have a proper perspective. This is why the Psalm ends with praise:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!"Question: When was the last time your worship brought you into a greater understanding of your God, caused you to present a sweet offering to Him, and changed your worldview? Perhaps we need to look at Psalm 104 more often...
posted by Pastor Jason | 8:05 AM
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