Rev. Don Campbell

Psalm 111-118

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, May 28, 2019

“PRAISING GOD”

The thought running through all the psalms in today’s reading is “Praise God” (111:1,10; 112:1; 113:9; 116:19; 117:12). The word “praise” is not found in Psalm 118, But the praise is clear: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!” (v.1).

Let me draw attention to Psalm 115:16-18: “The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!”

When I read this. I recall a “preacher story” of the lady who was so touched by the sermon that she shouted out, “PRAISE THE LORD!” One of the deacons hastening to do his duty of making sure all things were done decently and in order, said to her, “Lady, we don’t do that in this church.” Perhaps that church was dead, for the dead do not praise the Lord either.

As Jesus was entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey, the crowds began spreading their cloaks on the road and with a loud, united voice, they began to praise Jesus, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38). When the deacons (Pharisees) demand, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples,” he responded, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out” (Luke 19:39-40).

TV preachers often work the audience into a feeding frenzy not unlike that displayed in a political rally, and for much the same reason. Such extremes should not silence the praise of those sincerely moved to cry out—even in the middle of a sermon— “Praise the Lord!”

Only a church that is as dead as a rock would try to silence sincere praise offered spontaneously by worshipers.

CONNECTIONS

1. One preacher used to say, “I wouldn’t give the snap of my finger for a religion without emotion; nor would I give the snap of my finger for a religion that is just emotion.” What are your thoughts?

2. What was the response to the call of the 24 elders for all who fear God to praise him? (Revelations 19:6-8)