Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-184 (Bible Reading Notes)

THE GOD OF GLORY

PSALM 29 (From ‘Encounter with God’ – Sunday 17 Sep 2000)

What do we learn about God from the voice of nature?

There are many films showing the beauties and mysteries of nature. We can be grateful for them, even if the credits at the end go to the photographers and omit the Creator. For as Isaac Watts’ hymn reminds us, ‘Nature with open volume stands to spread her Maker’s praise abroad: and every labour of his hands shows something worthy of a God.’

The psalm writer here has probably transformed a pantheistic hymn originating among Israel’s pagan neighbours, redirecting its praise to the one true God, who is above all creation. What do its striking images tell us about God?

First, human pride is invariably downsized by the forces unleashed in thunderstorms and earthquakes (vs 39a). At such times many normally heedless people are prompted to reconsider their own frailty, and also their personal dealings with God.

Secondly, there is an awesome strength in nature which rebukes our attempts to domesticate and trivialise God. He is utterly splendid, actively purposeful (vs 9b11). You don’t tell God what to do.

Thirdly, our central lifemotivation should be to give glory to God (vs 1,2). How? We are only fit for this if we are wearing the ‘attire of holiness’. The psalm itself assumes that we know where to obtain this. The Christian, blessed with further insight through Christ, knows that it is acquired through trust in his forgiving grace and a resolve to live as God wills. The cutting pattern for this attire is described in many places. (See Col 3:8-14; Gal 5:13- 25) Let us put on the garments of praise (see Isa 61:3) and draw strength from the Spirit of God as we seek to live holy lives.

When you can, sit for a time alone under the stars or in a deserted area, until you are moved with a desire to give glory to God. Then, recalling the shepherd image, thank him for the truth of verse 11.

– Brian Hill

Copyright Scripture Union, 2000

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