Reader: “God reigns above the nations,”
Response: “sitting on his holy throne.”
Scripture: Psalm 47
Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord Most High is awesome.
He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nations before us,
putting our enemies beneath our feet.
He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance,
the proud possession of Jacob’s descendants, whom he loves.
Interlude
God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm.
God reigns above the nations,
sitting on his holy throne.
The rulers of the world have gathered together
with the people of the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere.
Reader: “The word of the Lord.”
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Some thoughts:
The Bible is a fascinating living book because it functions on several levels at the same time. What is written specifically about one time in history not only applies to that situation, but as it often turns out, applies equally to a future era. Such is the wonder of God’s word. This psalm is a perfect example.
The first part could easily be sung by Jacob’s descendents, (another name for the Israelites), as they conquer and drive out the nations taking occupancy in the Promised Land. They likewise acknowledge that God is the ultimate King over all, over them and over everyone.
At the same time, this psalm can speak of the Ascension of Jesus in taking his rightful place on his throne and establishing his rule over all the nations of the world.
I’m quite sure we have little grasp of the significance and triumph of Jesus’ enthronement. The heavenly beings rejoiced greatly at the return of Jesus and his being seated on his throne. Think about it. For all eternity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwelt in perfect unity. Then came creation with the making of angelic beings and heaven and earth, humans, and the universe. The Son of God remained with the Father and Spirit throughout the time of the First Testament dwelling with all the heavenly hosts. Then the Son became Incarnate and left heaven to dwell on earth for a period of time. At the Ascension the Son returned to assume his rightful place and all heaven rejoiced. The work of redemption was complete! No wonder there was such joy! With the heavenly hosts we join those words.
God has ascended with a mighty shout. The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King over all the earth.
When you are tempted to worry about this world, remember the truth of this psalm. Christ is going to descend to earth one more time followed by the grandest ascension of all, one in which we also ascend to the mighty blast of the trumpet, and all in the twinkling of an eye. It is so important to keep God’s biggest picture in mind.
Music: “O Clap Your Hands All Ye People” by John Rutter The Cambridge Singers
Bonus: “O Clap Your Hands” Orlando Gibbons Voces8
Prayer:
O Lord, I must confess that the truth of a king and a throne seems kind of remote and hard to relate to. Yet there were many kings throughout the First Testament and your disciples asked over and over when you were going to set up your kingdom. Revelation puts forth your everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. So I’m looking forward to a wonderful rule I’ve never known or experienced though I have no concept of what it will be like. Never has there been a King like you. No jealousy, no evil plots, no corruption, no rivals, just a glorious Lord to whom we sing praises! Thank you Lord for adopting us into your kingdom as citizens and heirs. Sing praise, sing praises unto our king! Amen. ―Daniel Sharp