Psalm Meditation 974
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
February 17, 2019

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!
(NRSV)

The psalmist has made a list of as many types of creatures as possible in a small space, and adds a list of people that goes up and down the spectrum of rank and age, as well as the breadth of race and gender. It is a brief and all inclusive list of creatures and parts of creation who are being called to praise God. Sea monsters and deeps are included in the list. These symbols of uncontrollable chaos are included as a reminder that chaos is under the control of God.

The people of God are lifted up for praise at the end of the psalm. The people who acknowledge and worship YHWH have a special place in creation. Those who are faithful are special because of their relationship with God. They see, experience, and know that it is YHWH who has created all that is. Other people and things can lift up thanks and praise, however those who recognize the power of YHWH have a special relationship and appreciation for who God is and what God does.

The people of God are not special in a swaggering, entitled way. People of God are special in a deep appreciation of the presence of God in all times and places, and in all the glories of creation. Praise reminds us that God is present among us. Praise reminds us that God stands far above us and chooses to be in relationship with us.

February 11, 2019
LCM