The God of the Bible isn’t like that. Human beings are made in his image (Gen. 1.26). But there was a "fall" – a choice of an independent autonomous way of life. The truth is that all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Rom. 3.23). God’s image in us is marred but not totally destroyed.
Today’s Psalm is a reminder that, no matter who we are, or what we think, or how we have behaved, "the Lord reigns" (Ps. 99.1) – he is "great" and "exalted" (v. 2), "mighty" (v. 4)…
Some people had the idea that their "god" belonged to their nation. When their armies were victorious in war, it showed that their god was stronger than the god of their opponents and was extending his territory.
But the Lord is the only true God – no matter what the changing fortunes of nations, no matter what happened to the people who claimed his name. The statement, "the Lord reigns", is valid over every nation, every people. He is exalted – and all people should exalt him (v. 5) and "praise his great and awesome name" (vv. 2-3).
The Lord loves justice and establishes equity (v. 4). He is holy and himself does what is just and right. He is the final judge who can rightly and fairly bring punishment on people for their misdeeds (v. 8).
But he is also a forgiving God. He answers those who "call on his name" (vv. 6,8). To "call on his name" means to be humble before him, to submit our lives to him, to acknowledge our sin to him, to depend on him…
We live after the coming of Jesus. In Jesus the final and complete sacrifice for sin has been made. On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from the prophet Joel, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2.21, from Joel 2.32).
The call was quite clear and unmistakeable – repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
Then live as one of his Kingdom-people – exalting him in our praises, and in the kind of life we live.
| Prayer: Our Lord and God, you are great and holy. We exalt your name.You see us and know us as we are. You are a forgiving God. Forgive us and make us new. Help us to live for you, to show your patience, your love for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
Great exalted Lord of all,
we praise your name -
piercing light,
seeing right -
none escape the guilt and shame
before you in the judgment hall.
Great exalted Lord of all,
born within this world to live -
not giving in,
but bearing sin -
by grace the sinners’ sin forgive
that all may hear your loving call.
Great exalted Lord of all,
we praise your name -
you are the best,
we are the guest.
By faith our promised place we claim
together feast in banquet hall.
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