Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Psalm 148 describes a tremendous cloud of praises to God - everywhere, from every part of creation. As part of that created order, it is the business of all humans to call out in praise to God. But why? Why are we to praise God? Over the years, several people have told me they think God here acts like a self-absorbed curmudgeon. He demands people praise him because he is great.
If we consider the claim in the last sentence, we could reasonably say it seems self-centered, except for one important element. When we examine God’s claims we find that he is indeed great, incomparably so. Why praise God? Because he is actually worthy of it. God calls for our dedication to Him because that is the right order of things.
Psalm 148 gives us another reason to praise God. In verse 14 “he has raised up a horn for his people” (ESV). This is the symbol of salvation and of forceful protection. In this verse, it is apparent that God is the savior of all His people. He has provided for our salvation. He cares for our good.
Come, let us praise the Lord, for He is good.
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