Devotions

20230427

he wears the universe

Psalm 104:1-4 (JDV)

Psalm 104:1 My throat, bless Yahveh! Yahveh my God, you are very great; you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Psalm 104:2 He wraps himself in light as if it were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy,
Psalm 104:3 laying the beams of his palace on the waters above, making the clouds his chariot, walking on the wings of the wind,
Psalm 104:4 and making the winds his agents, flames of fire his servants.

In my systematic theology, I suggested that the universe is like a body for God. It can serve as visible evidence of his existence. He uses the world we see to prove his existence. One thing this implies is that we should not pollute or exploit this world.

The poet uses a similar analogy here.  He portrays God as wearing the elements of the natural world — using them for his divine purposes. He displays his power by demonstrating their powers.

He uses the power of light, wind, and fire to show us that he is there, and not silent.

20230426

mimic the mighty

Psalm 103:20-22 (JDV)

Psalm 103:20 Bless Yahveh, all his agents of great strength, who do his word, obedient to his command.
Psalm 103:21 Bless Yahveh, all his armies, his servants who do his will.
Psalm 103:22 Bless Yahveh, all the things he has made in all the places where he rules. My throat, bless Yahveh!

This passage calls on three mighty groups to bless the creator: his angelic agents, the armies at his command, and all his creatures and creations. But all three of these groups are described as already blessing God with their obedience to him. It remains for me — my throat — to follow their lead. Wouldn’t it be wise for me to look at all this obedience and do the same?