Most sensible people want to maintain a good name. Nobody likes to have bad talk about themselves being passed along, especially if it is false. This is why in many countries there are laws against libel and slander. Parents sometimes tell their children to not do anything that would bring shame to the family name. Connected to a good name, especially for a person of integrity, is being true to one’s word. If one’s word is tarnished, then their name will be, as well. In our psalm for this week, God speaks about the honor of both His Name and His Word. Let’s look into this Scripture.
As our psalm begins, David opened by whole-heartedly declaring praise to the Lord (vs. 1). Throughout his life, David was all-in for the Lord, so naturally his praise was with his whole heart. Never once was he tempted to stray into the worship of any pagan gods, and instead, openly showed those who worship the false idols that his worship and praise went only to Yahweh. Yahweh is the highest in the whole earth. He is above all pagan gods, which are non-existent, anyway. He is above all kings and rulers of the pagan nations, as well.
As David continued, he recounted how the Lord magnified His Word above His Name (vs. 2). His Word is to be venerated and extolled above everything. As I mentioned earlier, a person’s word and name are connected. A person’s name is reflected by their reputation and character. If one is known to speak falsely, to be a liar, or they are known not to keep their promises or their word, then their name is not likely to be held in any great esteem. We have God’s Word here in the Bible. The Bible is not like any other book. It is God’s Word, His holy revelation to humanity. There is nothing else like His Word. God’s Word contains His revelation of Himself to us, and carries His promises to us. It is so precious and holy, that God has magnified and exalted it even above His Name, which is also so very holy, exalted, and precious.
Continuing on in our psalm, David spoke of a day coming, when all the rulers of this world will be subject to the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 4-6). The kings and rulers will give their praise, not to themselves, but to the Lord. Right now the overwhelming majority of political and business leaders have no regard for the Lord God and His Son, Jesus Christ. They think of themselves as almighty, omnipotent, invincible, and themselves worthy of people’s honor and esteem. When Jesus returns, He will not come as the humble preacher of Nazareth, but will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords. On that day when the Lord Jesus returns every knee will bow to Him, including all of the rulers, business leaders, and billionaires who felt that they were supreme (Philippians 2:10-11). They will confess on that day that Jesus, alone, is Lord.
Though Jesus is the King and Lord above all, He still has care and regard for His children (vs. 6). Usually the higher the politician is, the less likely he or she is to be bothered with any individual’s problems. That is not the case with Jesus. We don’t need to fear that because He is so exalted that He is either too busy or can’t be bothered to give any regard to us. He cares about everything, whether big or little, in our life. Though we walk in the middle of trouble, God’s right hand will reach out and save us from our enemies (vs. 7). He is mighty to save us (Zephaniah 3:17). No matter what our circumstances are, or how high the odds are stacked against us, God promises to save us.
Our dependence should be on the Lord God alone, grounded in the Rock of Ages. We can trust in Him. It is He which has begun the good work within us (vs. 8). He has carried it on, and will finish it (Philippians 1:6). The Lord begins, and He completes. God has a purpose and unique plan for our life, and He promises to fulfill that. If we have entrusted our life to Him, we can rest in His promise to take care of us. He will never forsake us, the work of His hands.
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