As I am approaching the end of 2010, I read the book of Psalms. My reading two days ago was Psalm 145. One of the main messages from this chapter is that God is faithful to His promises. The chapter helps me to peacefully enter the bright new year of 2011. Psalm 145 begins (vv. 1-2) and ends (v. 21) with a strong commitment to praising and glorifying God, the King. The following paragraphs explain the reasons behind the commitment to praise God.
- God is praised because of who He is and for what He had done (vv. 3-7). God is great, majestic, splendid, glorious, abundantly good and righteous. No one can fathom God's greatness. God is above all (Gott is uber alles). God's deeds are mighty, wonderful, powerful, great and awesome. Therefore people from one generation will commend God's deeds to another generation by telling, speaking, celebrating and singing joyfully. These responses have their purpose not only to praise God wholeheartedly, but also to proclaim publicly that God is awesome. The Psalmist himself says that he will meditate on God's wonderful works (v. 5b) and proclaim God's great deeds (v. 6b).
- God is praised because He cares for His creation (vv. 8-13a). He is compassionate, rich in love, slow in anger, gracious and good to all. Unlike other religions, the God of the Bible cares for His own creation. God's act did not stop in creating the universe ex nihilo; God continues to care for His creation. The creatures (especially the righteous ones) respond by again worshiping and proclaiming God's glory publicly. His Kingdom is splendid, mighty, glorious, everlasting and endures through all generations.
- God is praised because He is faithful to His promises (vv. 13b-21). There are two kinds of God's promises: (1) Unconditional promises to all creatures (vv. 14-16). These promises include upholding all those who fall, lifting up all who are bowed down, giving food (to the hunger) at the proper time, opening hand (to the needy) and satisfying the desire of every living thing. (2) Conditional Promises to the righteous ones (vv. 17-20). God is loving towards His creatures, ..... but He is righteous, so: He is near to those who call on Him, ..... those who call on Him in truth; He fulfills their desires, ..... of those who live fear of Him; God hears their cry and saves them; He watches over them, ..... those who love Him. The responses of the righteous again are praises and verbal proclamation to declare the might of God. The Psalmist says, 'My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord, and let every creature praise His Holy Name for ever and ever' (v. 21).
What can we learn from Psalm 145?
- We praise God because of who He is (identity) and what He had done (deeds), subsequently also for what He is now doing and what He will do in the future
- God's deeds cannot be separated from His two main major characters, love and righteousness. He loves His creatures and He is righteous.
- Love and righteousness are relational words. Subject and object are required.
- Good News!!! The maker of us cares for us.
- God is faithful to His promises.
- The most important and immediate responses and commitments upon seeing the glorious splendor of God and His mighty deeds is to give Him glory and praise. According to the Psalmist however, a praise to God is not simply an act to please Him, but also an act to proclaim Him publicly. A genuine praise to God is a direct invitation for others to join the worship of a splendid glorious awesome God.
- Praising and proclaiming the greatness of God and His wonderful works are our endless daily task. Note: 'for ever and ever' (vv. 1, 2, 21), and 'every day' (v. 2).
May this simple reflection be a help to guide our path in 2011.
