“You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!” – Psalm 22:23
Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17
The suffering Servant now doesn’t only call out from the midst of the congregation, as in verse 22, He also calls out to the congregation. To cry out to them to fear the LORD is to highly respect the God of Revelation. Charles Spurgeon writes of the expression stand in awe: The more we praise God the more reverently shall we fear him, and the deeper our reverence the sweeter our songs. So much does Jesus value praise that we have it here under his dying hand and seal that all the saints must glorify the Lord.
It’s in His saints praising Him that God delights in so much. In fact, this is the activity he most loves us to do. While verse 23 ending with the call to revere the Lord may seem an unnecessary repetition for those who have just been commended for doing that, it’s actually the most important task we can always be encouraged to do more.
Besides, aren’t the true saints always going to welcome such a reminder? It’s the unbelieving ones who will soon enough resent being nudged about this. For them once on Sunday is more than enough. In fact, you’ll find that worshipping on Christmas and Easter only suits them just fine! The suffering Servant, with an immediate response and together with the saints – His brothers and sisters in the faith – gives thanks. And let’s sing it out!
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that our praising God will have an added zeal. Thank Him that in His Son we know so much why it’s the very best thing.
Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
