Psalm 99
Attention is again called to the greatness and glory of
Christ's kingdom. Exhortations to worship Him suitably follow. May the
Spirit write them on our hearts!
1. "The Lord reigns; let the people tremble; He sits
between the cherubims; let the earth be moved."
The Gospel-note here sounds again. The Holy Spirit
delights to proclaim Jesus seated supreme upon His throne. This thought is
an overflowing cup of joy. It presents strong consolation. Oh! that He might
reign in us, and make our hearts His chosen home. But with this comfort awe
should be intermixed. We should tremble lest any rebel passion should
dispute His rule. This fear should keep us lowly in submission. His high
seat too is a throne of grace. It is foreshadowed by the mercy-seat, over
which the cherubim spread their wings. Let us adore Him as our King. Let the
whole earth be one activity of service.
2-3. "The Lord is great in Zion; and He is high above
all the people. Let them praise Your great and awesome name; for it is
holy."
The greatness of our King exceeds all thought. His might
is truly omnipotent. His will is irresistible. Therefore His name is
awesome, and no foe can stand against Him. If He speaks, opponents crumble
into very dust. But holiness reigns simultaneously with His greatness. He is
holy in working salvation for His people. He is holy in executing vengeance
on His adversaries.
4-5. "The King's strength also loves judgment; You
establish equity, You execute judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the
Lord our God and worship at His footstool; for He is holy."
Our mighty King, the strength of His people, takes
especial delight in vindicating the cause of the oppressed. In His kingdom
righteous dealings are the rule. Mighty motives urge us to fall low before
Him, and to adore Him as the Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts.
6-7. "Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel
among those who call upon His name; they called upon the Lord, and He
answered them. He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His
testimonies, and the ordinance that He gave them."
We are encouraged to worship by the example of the
holiest saints of old. Consider Moses and Aaron. They were servants who
ministered to Him. Regard Samuel. His life was consecrated to render
service. It was their delight, also, to pour out their hearts in prayer. Did
they pray in vain? That could not be. The Lord's ears were ever open to
their cry, and ready answers flew on the wings of love. He was ever near to
hold communion with them. Out of the overshadowing cloud His, commands were
heard, and reverence hastened to obey.
8-9. "You answered them, O Lord our God; You were a
God that forgave them, though You took vengeance on their inventions. Exalt
the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is
holy."
But still the favored people were but men. In sin they
were conceived. Therefore they often started aside as a broken bow. Thus
they were brought into grievous straits, and God's displeasure could not be
withheld. But still He was a God ready to pardon. Where sin abounded
forgiving mercy abounded much more. Can we refrain to adore, to worship, and
to praise! We rob our souls of their most hallowed joy when we are slow to
revel in this exercise. It is Godlike condescension that His ears are open
to our feeble strains of worship. Shall He be willing to accept our
worthless tribute, and shall we reluctantly present it? Forbid it, every
feeling of our hearts!