March 4, 2024 -- Psalm 118:1-4 -- The call to arms: Praise the LORD!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1-4 ESV

Yesterday Psalm 117 was the focus text. In that reading the people of the earth, all nations, were summoned to praise the LORD and extol Him. Then, the question lingers on the air, once that command has gone out into the earth, will anyone respond? Today, in our reading, there are three shouts of response issued forth from those who will take up the call to arms and praise the LORD.

The nation of Israel responds. Her king will lead the people in this act of faithfulness and obedience to the Living God. It is his appointed role and he will take it up (Deuteronomy 17:14ff). Then the priests respond, represented by the house of Aaron. The house of Aaron are the descendants of the first man appointed to be priest in Israel. He and his sons know the cost of the priesthood. When two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), went ahead and decided to worship God in a way not prescribed by the LORD, they were struck down and killed. So all the priesthood of Aaron know the weight of the call to praise the LORD.

Finally individual households and families respond. Those who fear the LORD—that is, those who know the LORD He alone is worthy of all honour, all service, and all devotion. The fear of the LORD puts all other fears into their proper place. Climate change? Wars? Earthquakes? Financial fears? All of these tumble and lose their grip on the heart of the man who fears the LORD. When one has taken hold of the Living God through the grace of Jesus Christ, then all of life and all of death are put into perspective. A Christian is bold and joyful because to live is Christ and to die is gain. This world holds no real terrors for the man or woman who believes in the LORD.

It is important as well that the Psalmist declares the LORD’s steadfast love. Notice the intentional use of the Name LORD, which is the covenant Name of God. He makes firm and lasting promises and seals them with His Name and reputation: LORD. In the New Testament, Jesus is called, Lord (Philippians 2:11), He is the fulfilment of all the LORD’s promises. The Holy Spirit is called Lord (II Corinthians 3:17). So, it is by the power of the LORD God Himself that the people can respond in praise to the Living God.

To what power or thing or person are you giving your praise? The call to arms is issued. Bring to the LORD all your praise, for His steadfast love endures forever. Whatever earthly thing you cling to, whatever lesser thing you trust will be thrown down and destroyed. Only the LORD endures forever. The only worthy objective of your life is to bring praise to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever.

O LORD JESUS CHRIST, our King in heaven, help us now and evermore to be thy true and faithful followers. May we be ready at all times to carry out thy commands and conquer every enemy by thy power. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

“Ascension” from THE DIVINE SERVICE BOOK FOR THE ARMED FORCES, 1950, page 45

https://youtu.be/FkRiYsTN7KY?si=hJU8vZAYQ1xvZO-b “Is He Worthy” Chris Tomlin

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