One of the sacred things that we’ve sadly lost is reverence for God. In an age and society where wisdom and knowledge have largely been replaced with self-opinion and prejudice, we tend to put God on the same level as ourselves, expecting Him to follow and approve our ways. We put ourselves at the center of our own universes and shape God into being a benevolent bystander, forgetting that we actually live in His existence and under His sovereignty.
The writer of today’s psalm reminds us that the smartest thing we can do in life is to respect and worship God. No matter how big, how powerful, or how accomplished we think we are, God is always infinitely greater than anything we can imagine, do, or fulfill. It is very humbling to realize that God can do anything better than us and that we are all just creatures who exist in His creation. When we understand and accept this, then we will begin to realize what our lives are for: to worship God and enjoy Him forever.
A lot of the world’s foolishness, as well as its wickedness, originates when people are besotted with themselves, their power, and esteem. Putting ourselves first before God panders to our pride, supplements our selfishness, and activates our arrogance to such a degree that we consider ourselves to be little gods and seek equality with Him. An example of this occurs when we talk about the ‘kindom’ of God, rather than the kingdom which Jesus constantly expressed. Kindom places us all on the one level, whereas kingdom reminds us that we are subservient to God. Kindom makes us look wiser and greater in our own eyes; kingdom reveals to us Christ’s wisdom and personal knowledge about God.
Point to ponder: How do I revere and worship God wisely?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You revealed to us many truths about God in order to help us gain a greater knowledge of who God is and what we are. Help us to embrace Your ideas and ways rather than holding tightly and foolishly to our own. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville,
Tennessee.
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