Monday: The Lord Reigns
Daily Lesson for Monday 15th of January 2024
Closely tied—in fact inseparably tied—to the Lord as Creator is the Lord as Sovereign, as Ruler. The declaration “The Lord reigneth” is solemnly proclaimed in Psalms 93:1, Psalms 96:10, Psalms 97:1, and Psalms 99:1, but its echoes are heard throughout the book of Psalms.
The Lord is clothed with honor, majesty, and strength (Psalms 93:1, Psalms 104:1).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
He is surrounded with clouds and darkness (Psalms 97:2) but also covers Himself “with light as with a garment” (Psalms 104:2). These metaphors exalt the King’s power and splendor and are carefully chosen to express God’s unique greatness, which is beyond human comprehension.
Read Psalms 97:1-12. What characterizes the Lord’s reign? (Psalms 97:2, 10). What is the domain of His reign? (Psalms 97:1,5,9).
The Lord’s rule is demonstrated in His works of creation (Psalms 96:5), salvation (Psalms 98:2), and judgment (Psalms 96:10). The Lord establishes His kingship over the whole world (Psalms 47:6-9). God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, unparalleled in power and majesty (Psalms 45:6; Psalms 93:1, 2; Psalms 103:19). The Lord’s reign is established on mercy, justice, and righteousness, and it brings order and stability to the created world (Psalms 98:3, Psalms 99:4). God’s reign unites both heavenly and earthly worshipers in the praise of God (Psalms 103:20-22, Psalms 148:1-14). Many psalms envision all humanity acknowledging God’s sovereign rule (Psalms 96:10, Psalms 97:1, Psalms 99:1, Psalms 145:11-13).
But not all people, or even earthly rulers, do, at least for now. The Lord’s reign is constantly defied by the wicked, who deny and mock the Lord and oppress His people (Psalms 14:1, Psalms 74:3-22). Though challenged by the prosperity of some wicked people and troubled by God’s forbearance, the psalmist trusts in God’s sovereign rule and continues to flourish in the assurance of God’s righteous judgments (Psalms 68:21, Psalms 73:17-20). By faith God’s people rejoice in the inauguration of God’s kingdom through Christ’s redeeming ministry and wait for the consummation of the kingdom at Christ’s second coming (Matthew 12:26-28, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).
“You who love the Lord, hate evil!” (Psalms 97:10, NKJV). Why should our love for God cause us to hate evil? How are these two concepts related?
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In Old Testament times most sovereigns were despots accumulating wealth and power, assassinating those they did not like, taking large quantities of the produce of their serfs. They had absolute power over their subjects.
The sovereignty of God in this context is quite surprising. Woven through the tapestry of power and glory is a strong sense of social justice. We will be talking more about that tomorrow but for the moment I would like to consider that the sovereignty of God is inseperable from his sense of social justice. Take a look at Psalm 96. (I am using Eugene Peterson's "The Message" paraphrase at the moment because it is renewing my interest in the Psalms)
This sovereign is not untouched by the woes of his subjects He wants things put right.
As a corollary, we may need to learn that the practical implication is that after singing praises to our King we look around us and have our eyes opened to the injustices and inequalities around us. Worship does not stop at the end of a praise song; but rather continues when we get out hands dirty helping others.
Psalms 47, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99 all talk about
God’’s reign..
God reigns Supremely, superbly, superiorly, supernaturally, splendidly, sincerely, supportively , and Sovereignly.
He gives us a glimpse of Himself through creation, through forgiveness , through His mercies, through His restoration, through His righteousness, through His sanctification,and through His revelation. May we reveal His love to others with these same characteristics.
The question raised at the end of the lesson was in my opinion answered by the countless reformers of the sixth century, who, indeed hated evil because of their loyalty to God.
They had rejected false teachings of the Roman Catholic transubstantiation doctrines and
were burnt on the stake for their refusal to recant.
Nowadays even many Christians tend to drift to theistic evolution theories and have become selective in their scripture readings perhaps for peace and harmony with higher institutions.
When it comes to the subject of of the creation event, are we also united with the reformers to sing Psalms and embrace the reality of the true Creator, His majesty, glory and abundant love and to resist to death when the great tribulation comes about?
We should hate evil because our God hates evil. Evil is diametrically opposed to good and to God. Evil seeks to destroy good and is the whole reason the Great Controversy ensued in the first place.
If we parlay with evil and think we will not be affected, we will be deluded and believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:11, 2 Timothy 4:4). According to E.G. White in the Great Controversy (Ch. 33), from the very beginning it was Satan's goal to deceive our race and cause us to rebel against the Sovereignty of heaven, so that he could prove his point that God's law was oppressive and obtain control as sovereign of planet earth. James 3:10-12 confirms that evil and good cannot dwell together in harmony.
Indeed – our Creator’s power “is beyond human comprehension.” We give Him the titles God, Lord, King - but no earthly titles are able to describe and satisfy the Creator’s Greatness!
Love and Justice - the Lord’s power is present in all that is made!
He makes all things, He also governs all that He makes.
All that is made follows His laws!
Those not following His Law will be treated according to His Laws.
Existence is the evidence of His power; nothing exists outside His Laws of Creation!
His adversaries try to change His Laws.
They try in vain, using their own powers, but to no avail!
God’s unmovable law responds to them according to their deeds.
But there is Mercy and Grace inhabiting His Law!
He made them balance His Justice with His Love, because He is Perfect.
The LORD is all wise - all loving and all just!
He gives His Creation the everlasting Care of a loving Father caring for His Household.