Read 1 Chronicles 16
Read Isaiah 17
David appointed that songs of thanksgiving should be sung to the Lord. Why? Well, just look at David's song of thanks in 1 Chronicles 16. David praises him because he is the Creator of all things. David also mentions the Covenant, that is, that God is a relational God who did not destroy his sin-fallen Creation but brings sinners into a loving covenant with himself. He is their God, and they are his people.
David also praises God for the protection that is over his people everyday. And concerning the "salvation" of God? Well, about that, David wants to tell the nations! (v. 23-24).
Indeed, this song of thanks is one that we still sing. We use many of the phrases and the concepts in the song to fuel our hymns. They still apply. They still impact us with meaning. They still proclaim the Good News to us.
Yes, this song of David proclaims the Good News to us because we know that we too are God's covenant people. Who is/are the chosen people? We Christians are! Baptized into the name of God, we are brought into a covenant relationship where he promises to be our God and we his people. It is the new covenant in the blood of Christ that reconciles us to God. Yes, because of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection we can boast that we are his people, that we have his Divine help and protection.
Yes, we Christians can sing this song, or portions of it scattered throughout our hymns, in the presence of God. Ok, we don't have an ark of the covenant, but we have Christ's promise that he will be present in Word, water, wine, and wafer of bread. No wonder we rejoice!
Ask Yourself:
Why do I want to praise God today? Or, why don't I?
How can I better appreciate the gracious presence and help of God in the Divine Service?
What will my response be today, knowing that God has done so much for me and all his people?
Pray:
"Save us, O God of our salvation,
and gather and deliver us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
and glory in your praise.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!" (1 Chronicles 16:35-36)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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