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Presented, December 3, 2006 pm

 

PSALM 29

The Voice of the Lord

 

Tonight we examine another psalm of David.  This one is different from others we have examined thus far.  It is a psalm in which David recognizes the greatness of God and calls upon others to do the same.   Tonight, we examine this Psalm.

                This is a psalm of David.  As it is read, some see it as a psalm written possibly during or at the conclusion of a powerful storm.  It is a psalm that describes the power of God and how we ought to render due respect to Him.

 

I.                     Give unto the Lord (1-2)

a.        Who? You mighty ones.
Most commentators believe this to be angels or dignitaries in heaven.   The translation is, “ye sons of the mighty.”  Angels would certainly fit in this category (Job 38:7; 2 Peter 2:11).  Certainly they would be in a position and need to glorify God – Hebrews 1:6,
But it could also be world leaders – men who have risen in power over others.  WE all know the tendency of such to become arrogant and thus in need of humility.
Or it could those who serve Him.  HE makes us mighty.
But regardless who the mighty ones are we must ALL give glory unto the Lord. Rev. 4:9-11, Psalm 148, Philippians 2:9-11, the basis of the song, “Hallelujah praise Jehovah” (#77 Sacred Selections).

b.       Give (ascribe) to Him.  The word give or ascribe means, “to give, to come; to pay attention… it indicates the handing over of something or turning over of something to someone.” 
Christians are to be givers –

c.        Give what?
As Christians we are to give many things to others (rather than being takers, but chief among these ought to be glory to God.
He is due glory or adoration (reverence). 
Romans 11:36, “to Whom be glory forever.”
1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you were brought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s”
Matthew 5:16 – He is glorified in our works.
The idea of this text is to give God the credit He deserves in all things.  Sadly there are many who deny Him glory and honor.  They worship and serve the creature instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25; Luke 12:13-20).
Worship – John 4:24, Hebrews 13:15, etc.  In true worship we show God our acknowledgement of His greatness.
Many of the problems we face today are a result of inadequately acknowledging the glory and greatness of God.

 

II.                   The Voice of the Lord (3-9)

a.        The voice of the Lord.  When He speaks we BETTER listen!
While His voice has been heard in times throughout history (cf. Jesus baptism [Matt. 4:17], transfiguration [Matthew 17:5], speaking to Moses at the bush [Exodus 3:4] and at Mt. Sinai), He is also heard in other ways – such as through nature that cries for His being (Psalm 19:1).

b.       His power is described like a powerful storm.  Perhaps a tornado or a hurricane.

                                                   i.      It is over the waters (3).  Either upon waters or stretching over the waters (or oceans).  In other words – it is everywhere.  Matthew 8:26-27, remember when Jesus calmed the seas?  Remember Jonah 1:4 where the Lord caused a great storm to let him know who was in charge?

                                                  ii.      It is powerful – God is all powerful.  There is a word that describes this when we read of it.  The word, ALMIGHTY – Revelation 4:8, 11:17, 21:22, etc.  Matthew 19:26, With Him all things are possible.

                                                iii.      It is full of majesty – a word describing the impressive character of God (WS Dictionary of the O.T.), splendor.  It is a word associated with royalty and “supreme greatness or authority.”
God is majestic – Jude 25; Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus, “…sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

                                                iv.      Vs. 5- 7- He speaks and there is devastation.  He controls the forces of nature and all things.

                                                 v.      It shakes the wilderness – I think of a thundering, deep voice that when heard causes trembling.  Consider His power at Mt. Sinai – Exodus 19:16.

                                                vi.      He gives life, as in the birth of a deer.  What greater example of power can you think of than one who can give life?  NOTE how God can devastate with great power and in the next breath breathe life into an animal.

                                              vii.      He can utterly destroy – stripping forests bare

c.        In His temple everyone says, ‘Glory’.  Truly, as David said in another psalm, “What is man that you are mindful of him” Psalm 8:4.

 

III.                 The Lord  gives strength to His People (10-11)

a.        The Lord sat upon the flood as a King that reigns forever.  David, in the forces of nature sees who really is in charge and thus whose side we need to be on – it is the Lord’s.
And don’t forget that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom – Matthew 6:13 as Jesus teaches about prayer He notes, “Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever…”
David said in Psalm 145:13, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.”

b.       Vs. 11 – shows the ultimate benefit of understanding this. 
Considering the power of the Lord - if He can accomplish this power in nature, certainly He can accomplish that which He has promised us and whatever it is that we need. 
Romans 8:31, Ephesians 3:14-19.

 

Ultimately, in Him we can find true peace.  Peace in this life and eternal peace in the next.  But that hinges upon our willingness to ascribe to Him the glory and honor He deserves and demands.  Are we willing to do that?