This Psalm from the lectionary reading of this past Sunday is one of the less familiar Psalms. This Psalm proclaims the majesty, glory, and power of the Lord God.
Right from verse 1 we read “The Lord reigns”. Not man, not some political leader, but God almighty, Yahweh. He is the one in control, not us. We need to be sufficiently in awe and respect of Him as the verse continues, “Let the people tremble”. He is seated on His throne between cherubim. Cherubs are not the cute, fat little “baby angels” that people often picture. They are a type of powerful angelic being, and they surround God’s throne. God is exalted above all nations, verse 2 continues. Various countries may scoff at Him, and mock Him now, but He is high over them all.
Verse 3 was one verse that really jumped out at me. God’s Name is holy. It is sacred and set apart. It is not a Name or word that should be lightly, or flippantly, thrown around. Christians should all definitely agree that His Name should not be used in cursing. I believe that even in general conversation, His Name should illicit holy awe, honor, worship and respect. So many today seem to think only of God as a buddy, and seem to almost have forgotten that He is all-holy and the almighty God, and His Name is to be held in complete respect. Most people don’t like to hear their name spoken ill of. All the more the Name of God is to be revered and not spoken ill of. If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are His children and He is our Father. We should live lives worthy and respectful of the Name we carry.
In verse 6 we see that men of the past have called out in prayer to the Lord God, and to His holy Name. God honored their prayers, and answered them. That is true today, as well. All through the ages, from Bible days, through the centuries, up through to today, men and women of the Lord can call on Him, and He will hear and answer.
God is a great, loving, and forgiving God, as said in verse 8. That is a sure and precious promise, that if we confess our sins, He will forgive. But sometimes He must also dole out some discipline, just like a human father does. Most human fathers, if they are kind and loving, will forgive the misdeeds of their children. But sometimes there must be discipline too, if merited. The same is true with the Lord, as His Word says here and in Hebrews 12:4-11.
Verse 9 closes the Psalm with another call for us to exalt and worship Him. He is holy and worthy of all of our adoration.
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