HEAVEN’S GOT TALENT –

The compilers of the Psalter continue their collection of Psalms that give glory and honor to God for who He is and what He has done. Moses and Aaron, Samuel and his fellow priests had all come and gone, but God was still the same God they worshipped and served. Therefore, why would the people become careless in their respect and reverence for Him? How could they go about their daily business without taking time to praise Him and thank Him for all He had done? Why did they go to the temple out of habit and obligation instead of going with joy in their hearts to pour out praise to Him. Had they forgotten that He is awesome; that He is holy; there is none other like Him in the entire universe!

“The LORD Eternal reigns on high, surrounded by angels as the supreme Ruler of the universe, which should make everyone on earth shutter in awe. For they will one day worship Him for who He is: He is Awesome; He is esteemed; He is holy! Yes, He is a Mighty King, who loves to deal honestly with people; that’s why He established the laws of justice and equality among His people. So join me in magnifying the LORD Eternal, our One True God, as we bow down at His feet, for He is Holy! After all, didn’t Moses and Aaron along with Samuel and the priests and those who recognized Him for who He is, cry out to the LORD Eternal in prayer and He answered them? Didn’t He speak to them from columns of Shekinah glory and tell them to obey what He said and live by the rules He gave them? Absolutely, the LORD Eternal our One True God answered them; because He was their Sovereign God who forgave them, even after He scolded them for their misconduct. So again I say, let us magnify the LORD Eternal, our One True God; let us bow down before Him in His presence; for He, the LORD Eternal, our One True God, is holy!” Psalm 99:1-9

Reflection: Johnson Oatman, Jr., a business man, who also served as an ordained minister, wrote over 5,000 gospel songs, many of which became classics, such as: “Count Your Blessings,” “Higher Ground.” But he wanted to express his joy over being able to praise God in a special way, so he sat down and wrote these lyrics as they flooded his mind. This song never became as popular as the others, but oh how expressive and beautiful was the song’s message: “There is singing up in heaven such as we have never known, where angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne; their sweet harps are ever tuneful, and their voices always clear, O that we might be more like them while we serve the Master here! Holy, holy, is what the angels sing and I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring; but when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings, for angels never felt the joy that our salvation brings!” For the psalmist, this One True God deserves all the honor, praise, adoration, and jubilant worship mankind can muster. We can sense his enthusiasm and anticipation for the day to arrive when the echoes of millions and millions of worshipers will reverberate around the world, regardless of time zone. No coronation or inauguration has ever occurred, nor will ever take place, equal to that of the returning Messiah. But one need not wait until that takes place. Be like the Psalmist and Mr. Oatman, start celebrating now! Loosen up your voice in practice for that great day. Don’t hesitate to glorify Him wherever and whenever possible. For He is truly awesome and holy!