A Psalm for Sunday
Psalm 150. = “Praise
the Lord!”
The book of Psalms ends with a
universal call to praise the Lord God. This psalm calls our world to praise the
Lord. The intensity of praise increases with each additional musical
instrument. The final verse makes a thrilling build-up of instruments and
voices praising the Lord. We are to praise the Lord our Saviour!
1. THE PLACE OF PRAISE, VERSE 1.
A.
It is a prepared place.
“Praise
God in His sanctuary.”
The Lord God has instructed us to
carefully prepare places of worship throughout history.
1.
First the tabernacle.
2.
Then the synagogue.
3.
Then the
4.
Now the Church.
The Lord God instructs us in united
praise. Nothing can replace assembling together in the fellowship of other
believers in the presence of the risen Lord.
B.
It is a universal place.
“Praise
Him in His mighty firmament.”
“Firmament” means sphere, the range of
praise is world-wide. The entire creation becomes a sanctuary for the praise of
the Lord God. The Lord God should be praised everywhere, not just in the
Church, but in all the earth. In heaven and earth.
Everything that breathes should praise
the Lord God. Hymn writers include the concept that every creature should
praise the Lord God. “All creatures at on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with
cheerful voice.”
2. THE REASONS TO PRAISE GOD, VERSE 2.
A.
We are to praise the Lord for His power.
“Praise
Him for His mighty acts.”
God’s order and control of the
colossal forces of nature demonstrate His power. We praise the Lord God when we
behold His mighty power.
B.
We are to praise the Lord because of His character.
“Praise
Him according to His excellent greatness.”
This statement directs us to God’s
character. Recognising how much God loves humanity and how much He has done for
us; we should offer praise to the Lord.
3. THE PRACTICES OF PRAISE, VERSES 3-5.
A.
The praise of all musical instruments.
In verses 3-5 the psalmist mentions numerous musical instruments:
The
trumpet, the lute, the harp, the timbrel, the stringed instruments, flutes, and
the loud and high-sounding cymbals.
Most of these instruments were used in
Jewish worship. This suggests that all musical instruments, should praise the
Lord God.
B.
The praise of the human soul.
Praise resides within a person’s soul.
The greatest musical expression of praise is worthless unless it comes from a
heart of love; see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
4. THE SUBJECTS OF PRAISE, VERSE 6.
A.
The universality of praise.
“Let
everything that has breath praise the LORD.”
Nothing is excluded from praising God.
For all living things should offer praise to the Lord God. The psalmist
considered all of creation as subjects for praising God.
B. The invitation to praise.
“Praise
the LORD!”
This concluding command invites people
to praise the Lord God.
Conclusion:
Let us join with the psalmist to daily
offer up our praise to the Lord our God. “Praise
HIM.” Who is worthy of our praise?
