Psalm 148:1 Halleluyah!
Praise Adonai from the heavens!
Praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all his armies!
3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all shining stars!
4 Praise him, highest heaven,
and waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of Adonai;
for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he has given a law to which they must conform.
7 Praise Adonai from the earth,
sea monsters and watery depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
storm-winds that obey his word,
9 mountains and every hill,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all livestock,
creeping reptiles, flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women alike,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of Adonai,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above both earth and heaven.
14 He has increased the power of his people,
granted praise to all his faithful,
to the descendants of Isra’el,
a people close to him.
Halleluyah!(Complete Jewish Bible)
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Today's psalm gives us an amazing view of the wonders that God has done. In fact as we read this psalm, we hear the creation story. The repeated call to praise reminds us that God is the one who should be praised for it all. The exclamations emphasize God's power and awesomeness. In these days after Christmas we can easily ride this wave of amazement. We have seen everyone come to a full church, we have gathered with family and friends for meals and sharing gifts and we have witnessed the Spirit enter into our hearts to do some amazing things that we do not normally see. Sadly, we may feel like it was a dream. We may wonder, "Did it really happen?" Then we close our eyes and remember the smiles, hear the songs and that feeling of God's love comes over us again. Today, let us enjoy the wonder with which God has blessed us. For truly, this is the season to celebrate God's gift to us!
Good and gracious God, we give you thanks for the amazing wonder of this creation. You have given us so much to enjoy, but also to share with family, friends and future generations. Open our eyes, our hearts and our minds to the amazing work that you are still doing among us. Let us be your instruments of love and peace this season. Amen.
Nathan Strong, '11
Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, Texas
Psalm 148:1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike, old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!(The Revised Standard Version)
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The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 United States
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