Sing Praise Unto the Lord, Jesus the King!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Kings 8:1-29 and Psalm 98 (NIV)
(Shaun Tan, SGM Core Team Member)
READ:
Psalm 98 (ESV)
OBSERVE:
I cannot help but to be in awe at the powerful expression of joy, thanksgiving, gratitude and faith that the Psalmist had in the Lord’s sovereignty and salvation.
The singing of praises to the Lord seems to stem from the fact that His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him and the Lord has made known His salvation, by revealing His righteousness in the sight of the nations (v1-2).
Further praise is sung because the Lord has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel and ALL the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God (v3)!
The imagery used in Psalms 98 is vivid and descriptive. Not only will humans sing praises to the Lord (v5-6) but God’s creation will too (v7-8)!
APPLY:
Psalms 98 has also been a good reminder of what Jesus has done for me on the Cross, and the ongoing work He has been doing in the world, and in the lives of His people.
As I reflected on this, I started to examine my own heart, whether I have ever been as joyful as the Psalmist to sing praises unto the Lord in a manner that is worthy of His praise, for the salvation that He has freely given to me. Unfortunately, I have taken it for granted.
It is very easy to be caught up in the world and to rely on my own strength to go about my daily life at the workplace, at home and sometimes even in church. Without having the time or space to really reflect and examine how God has been present in my life, it is hard to find the opportunity to truly praise Him for the work He has done in this world and in my life.
DO:
I will endeavor to practice weekly examen, to observe how God has been present or absent in my life. I will use this opportunity to praise the Lord and give thanks for all that He has done for me.
PRAY:
Father Lord, may I learn to sing to You songs of praise for the marvelous things that You have done! Thank You for making known Your plans of salvation to us and being sovereign over my life. Forgive me for the times when I forget to sing praise to You. May I learn to do so with all that I am and all that I have. Amen.
