When I was growing up, we often sang Thomas Ken’s “Doxology” as a hymn:
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
As the book of Psalms draws to a close, we have been reminded that our God is imminently worthy of praise for His steadfast faithfulness and for His kindness. Now, in Psalm 148, every creature in heaven and under the heavens is summoned to add its voice of praise.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts (v. 1-6). In a world where most people worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods, in a world that saw the heavens as shaping one’s destiny, the psalmist reminds us that these creatures, vast and majestic as they are, bow the knee to their Creator. Galaxies and nebula, cherubim and seraphim, meteors and comets, all praise their Maker, whether by voices as the angels or by their mere being (and might there be other ways of communicating of which we have no way of knowing?). They praise the name of the LORD because He has made them and keeps them by His everlasting word.
Praise Him, all creatures here below (v. 7-12). And as the heavens ring with God’s praise, an answering song rises from the earth and its inhabitants. Great sea creatures—whales and narwhals, squids and coelacanths, strange glowing fish in the black deeps—bear witness to the power and wisdom of their Maker. The weather, with its fire and ice, lightning and wind, gives pyrotechnic testimony to the glory of the God whose every command it fulfills. It is an impoverished person indeed who hasn’t felt praise welling up at the sight of great mountains and rolling hills, fruitful orchards and massive cedars and redwoods—and their very existence is a kind of praise, honoring one who forms such wonders by the power of His word. Animals—whether great elephants and rhinoceros, useful livestock like cattle or horses, or creeping and skittering squirrels and lizards, flying birds and bats—all reflect the astonishing wisdom of a God who would think of such things.
And as the psalmist turns his attention to our praise, we see the full range of humanity represented: kings and their people, princes and rulers, men and women, young and old. As Kidner notes, “in these few lines there emerges…the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: a joyful preoccupation with God.”[1] People of every rank, every station of life, every age and experience will find their greatest joy and fullest humanity as they sing praise to the Lord of glory. Where the stars and planets, cattle and trees bring praise simply by existing, we have the privilege of being made in God’s image, able to think and to express our love and gratitude with words and obedient acts. Make the most of it!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (yes, in the Old Testament, too) (v. 13-14). The God whom Jesus has revealed to be triune is united in His excellence, His unique claim to be worshiped, and His unparalleled glory (v. 13). Father, Son, and Spirit are one in goodness, power, and wisdom, one in their intention to create a world filled with creatures on whom to bestow their love, and one in their intention to rescue sinners and make them beloved saints. The members of the Trinity have different roles in this project—the Father has sent the Son to be the powerful Rescuer, the Horn of His people (v. 14a; see Luke 1:69), and the Son has sent the Spirit to be with us always and to be the means by which Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the world (v. 14c; see John 16:7-15, Matt. 28:18-20). Well might we praise the LORD, who has not only made us, but has rescued us by remaking us and by being Immanuel, God with us, forever.
Grace and peace, Mike Yates
For further thought and discussion: When have you recently seen God’s glory reflected in His creation? Take time today to praise God for His rescuing power and for His constant nearness to us through His Holy Spirit.
[1] Derek Kidner, Psalms 73-150 (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1973), 488.
Life and Godliness 