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January 1st
READING: Psalm 135
GOD ABOVE ALL GODS (PART 1)
GOD MADE man in
His own image. Eventually man was making gods after his own
likeness, thereby expressing his debased thoughts in images cast
from the moulds of his passions and darkness. The inspiring
spirit behind these varied products was the evil one himself.
They were "abominations", "lies" and
"vanities". They that made them were like unto them.
So were they that trusted them, for they became
"vanities" in life lived a "lie", and
worshipped they knew not what, Psa. 135. 18; Isa. 40. 20; John
4. 22.
But "our
God is above all gods", Psa. 135. 5. Whatsoever He does is
of His own pleasure and purpose, v. 6. The idol was nailed down,
being limited to their petty thoughts, Isa. 46. 7; it had been a
burden to its makers and to those who carried it. In contrast,
the Lord is the One who bares and carries even to old age, vv.
1-4. In due time, Messiah would have "borne our sins, and
carried our sorrows", 53. 4.
God's Name (His
character, nature and renown) had been revealed, and it was His
memorial throughout all generations, Psa. 135. 13; Exod. 3. 15.
He is the self-revealing and self sustaining God, who in the
fulness of the times was fully revealed in His beloved Son, John
1. 18.
Of His own
purpose, God has chosen Israel, making them His peculiar
treasure and giving them an inheritance, Psa. 135. 4, 12. So our
psalmist calls repeatedly for praise and blessing from the
congregation, and the priests and Levites, vv. 1, 19, for such
was pleasant, v. 3.
We have the
more reasons so to do, being priests unto God, showing forth the
praises of Him who predestinated us after the counsel of His own
will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, 1 Pet. 2. 9; Eph.
1. 1 1; Heb. 13. 1 5.
Rise our hearts, and bless the
Father,
Ceaseless song e'en here begun,
Endless praise and adoration
To the Father and the Son.
(Centra Thompson)
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