Read Psalm 114
Questions from the Scripture text: To what, event does Psalm 114:1a refer? What does verse 1b call the Egyptians? What did God do with Judah (Psalm 114:2a)? With Israel (verse 2b)? What are anthropomorphized in Psalm 114:3-4? How did they respond to God and to His people? What is the implied answer to the rhetorical questions in Psalm 114:5-6? Who should learn to do what from this event (Psalm 114:7a)? What is this Lord called in verse 7b? What miracle of the Exodus epitomizes His greatness (Psalm 114:8, cf. Exodus 17:6, 1 Corinthians 10:4)?
How does the Lord most display His greatness? Psalm 114 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord most displays His greatness in saving His people.
Egypt were a fearsome people of strange language, but there is One infinitely more fearsome. God has chosen to make His holiness dwell in the midst of Judah (Psalm 114:2a) and to take Israel as His kingdom. God’s appointed way of glorifying Himself by saving a people as kings and priests to Himself (cf. Revelation 5:10).
Egypt might strike fear into the hearts of men, but the Creator strikes terror in the hearts of the entire creation. The Red Sea and Jordan River fled and turned back before Israel because of Him Who is Israel’s God!
But the crowning evidence of His glory is declared in Psalm 114:8. The Lord is the God of Jacob (Psalm 114:7); He is willing to show His mercy even to believers who are still acting like heel-grabbers. He even strikes Himself in order to bring them life (cf. Exodus 17:6, 1 Corinthians 10:4). He is God Who has redeemed the weak and wicked by Jesus Christ. Let all creation tremble before Him!
Where does this point you despite your weakness and wickedness? Who/what are dwarfed by His greatness?
Sample prayer: Lord, You have taken us as Your sanctuary and dominion by saving us despite our weakness and wickedness. And You have done this by striking Christ, the Rock, that He might be our fountain of life. Truly, You are glorious, and all creation trembles before You! Be praised now, in the presence of Your people, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP114 “When Is’rel Went Forth” or TPH114 “When Jacob’s House from Egypt Came”
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