Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-019 Sunday 28 Jan 2001

Reading: PSALM 47 – HAIL, KING OF THE EARTH

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

Spend some time worshipping the One who is Lord of lords and King of kings.

There have been many rulers in the history of the world. The best of them have done great things for their people. The worst of them have done, and are still doing, unspeakable things to their nations. If we could have one wish for the twenty first century, perhaps it would be that prime ministers and presidents might be courageous enough to make a stand for what is just and true, however unpopular.

One thing of which we can be sure, however, is that there is One who is superior to every earthly ruler and will remain so for ever. He is, of course, superior in might and power, but he also far surpasses all others because he is beyond moral reproach. That ‘the great King over all the earth’ has chosen not to eliminate tyranny by force is not a sign of weakness nor of complacency. It is the evidence that he wants us all to gain the benefits that can only come from choosing to do what is right.

He has intervened in the past (v 3). He will do so again in the future.(See Rev 7:17) Who can say exactly what he is doing now? One thing is sure: we are either among those he will one day rescue from the wrongdoers, or we are among the wrongdoers, and he will give his verdict in justice and in love.

This is our God, supreme above all governments, the most absolute and benevolent ruler the world will ever see, recipient of the accolades of the universe, standing astride the heavens, and ready to receive our praise. ‘Clap your hands … he is greatly exalted’ (vs 1,9).

It is not always easy to give thanks joyfully, but this is the response God’s love demands of us. Pray that God will give you a joyful and thankful heart.

– Ken Edgecombe

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001