To be invited to a dinner party or some other elegant function where a member of royalty is also present would be an honor. And imagine the privilege if you were selected to have a seat right next to the prince! Invitations to attend a gathering where the Queen or any of her family is present are not given to just anyone. One has to be a very important person, or someone who is quite rich. The ordinary person will not likely ever find themselves seated beside the Queen or one of the Princes. As we read our psalm for today, though, we see that this is possible for those who love and follow the Lord. It won’t be the royalty here on earth, but something even greater. Let’s take a look at our psalm for this week.
In today’s world most people are judged and valued by how much money they have, how big or distinguished their house and car are, where they shop and how elegantly they dress. I have even seen this in some churches. This can leave some people feeling like they just don’t matter, they don’t count for anything. Their house is small, and falling apart, their clothes are all second-hand, and they barely have the money to scrape by.
However, in God’s eyes a person’s value has no relationship with their wealth or position on the social ladder (vs. 5-9). We might be impressed by someone’s name, title, or how they look, but those things mean nothing to God. When people see their fortunes start to improve, and they have started to climb that social ladder, they so often start thinking proudly of themselves, and to scorn those they feel are beneath them. God, though, has said that He will exalt the humble and humble the proud (Matthew 20:16; I Peter 5:6). He has promised to raise up the poor out of the dust, and lift the needy out of the ash heap (vs. 7). Those people that the rich and influential have scorned are exalted by the Lord God.
Those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord God have been given spiritual privileges of the highest order. We are seated with princes (vs. 8). We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9). Princes have immediate access when others have to wait. They can come in and see the King or Queen whenever they wish, and they do not have to wait days for an appointment or wait in a long line. We, as believers in Jesus, can draw near to the throne of God, the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). We have direct and immediate access to God.
Princes also have abundant wealth. Their wealth, though, might not always last. Believers have the wealth of Almighty God through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:32). Some princes hope that one day they will come to the throne of their kingdom. Their throne, though, is an earthly one which might not always be theirs if there is a political upset. Those who have accepted Christ will also reign with Jesus throughout eternity (Revelation 5:10). We might not ever get an honored seat next to the prince, we may have the lowliest house in the worst part of town, and feel lucky if we get a cup of coffee at the local McDonald’s. But one day we will have a place of special honor, seated with Jesus! (Ephesians 2:6).
For all of these blessings we need to be praising the Lord, as we see at the beginning of this psalm. We would be quick with our thanks and gratitude if we received notice from royalty. How much more should we be thankful to our Lord God? Our psalmist urges us to praise God at all times, all day long, not just once a day or once a week (vs. 3). Another psalmist said to praise the Lord 7 times a day (Psalm 119:164). Take little praise breaks throughout the day. That should help to change our attitude. Remember, for those who have the Lord Jesus as their Savior, whether or not we amount to much in the eyes of the world, we do to the Lord. He has great things in store for us for which we should be thankful and praise Him.
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