Read Psalm 149
Questions for Littles: Whom shall we praise (Psalm 149:1)? What shall we sing? Where? In whom is Israel to rejoice (Psalm 149:2)? In whom must the children of Zion be joyful? What aspects of the worship led by Levitical priests are named in Psalm 149:3? In whom does the Lord take pleasure (Psalm 149:4)? With what does He beautify the humble (verse 4)? In what should saints be joyful (Psalm 149:5)? What should they do on their beds? What should be in their mouths (Psalm 149:6)? And what should be in their hands? For what purpose (Psalm 149:7-9a)? Which of the Lord’s saints have this honor?This week’s Call to Worship, Prayer for Help, Song of Adoration, and Confession of Sin all came from Psalm 149. This is a Psalm about corporate worship—the praise of the Lord in the assembly of the saints. Yes, it’s a praise that continues to resound in their hearts and mouths even when they are at home on their beds (Psalm 149:5). But it is something that distinctly belongs to the assembly (Psalm 149:1), as evidenced by the reference to the specific Levite-led activities of Psalm 149:3.
We, of course, are no longer led by Levites in a temple on earth, but we ourselves are the temple, and we are led by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Great High Priest over the congregation in glory!
Therefore, the joy of the song is not diminished, but rather increased—as the saints are joyful in glory. In particular, we now know how it can even be that Yahweh Himself takes pleasure in us in Psalm 149:4 (!!). It is because we come to Him through His beloved Son, in Whom He is well pleased. He delights in His Son, and He delights in us who are in His Son!
But not only do we have the privilege of a great reception on High, week by week in this life. We also have the privilege of a great power on earth.
Which of the Lord’s saints wield this great sword to which Psalm 149:6-9 refer? All His saints. Psalm 149:9 says, “This honor have ALL His saints.” Now, we know that not all His saints carry physical swords by which they subjugate rulers. But, just as our worship must come from God and not be merely the worship of men, so also our weapons are the weapons of God.
As we believe the Scripture together, and confess it in worship, and admonish one another with it, and teach it to our children, we are participating in the subjugation of all the nations, which shall surely be accomplished by God’s mighty Word. And we have the privilege, as we depart worship each week, of carrying His high praise in our mouths, and His sword in our hands. Hallelujah!
Why would the Lord delight in you? Have you delighted in Christ? Does His praise continue with you as you leave worship? What sword do you take with you? How?Suggested songs: ARP206 “Triumphant Joy in God” or TPH166 “You Who His Temple Throng”
No comments:
Post a Comment