The Voice Of The Lord In The Storm

The Voice of the Lord

Psalms 29

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

There are many things in life that are truly frightening! Public speaking, heights, going to the dentist, snakes, spiders, and lizards, flying in an airplane, enclosed spaces, being rejected by others, and deteriorating health just to name a few. With about twenty people per minute being abused, one in five women in the U.S. have been raped in their lifetime, bankruptcies in Canada up by a staggering 33% over last year, two in five Canadians expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, more than 770 million people getting Covid and nearly seven million dying from this disease, gas prices nearly doubling in the last seven years, having recently experienced food inflation of more than 10%, the average price of a home in New Brunswick now selling for about $300k; whom amongst us does not believe this world is becoming chaotic? With Russia attacking Ukraine in 2014 resulting in nearly six million Ukrainian refugees being across Europe, close to 3,000 people killed in an earthquake in Morocco, and Hurricane Lee just hitting the Maritimes; one can’t help but see these events as signs that we are in the end times as prophesized by Christ in Matthew 24! And yet even when nation rises against nations, famines and earthquakes happen, diseases ravage our lands, and stock markets plunge into what seems like oblivion; we are told in the Bible that we are to experience peace that surpasses all understanding. Despite what we read in the newspapers and see on TV the truth is that God was, is, and always will be sovereign and fully in control of all things seen and unseen! Yes we as Christians are like sheep sent out into this world amongst the wolves who hate the Gospel message (Matthew 10:16) and yes this fallen world that is constantly “subjected to frustration” (Romans 8:10) is at best chaotic and at worst filled with tribulations to be overcome; but we are not without hope for there is still a strong refuge onto which to place one’s feet, before God’s throne of grace! The following sermon is going to review the storm in Psalms 29 so that amidst this chaotic world we might seek strength, grace, and peace from God who is the Creator and sustainer of all life!

The Call to Praise God

Psalms 29 is a beautiful Ugaritic-like hymn in which King David reflects upon the glory of God. This Psalm is best sung “beneath the black wing of tempest, by the glare of lightening,” as one reflects upon the glory and “self-attestation of the God of redemptive history.” Overwhelmed with the majesty of God and in great humility David asks for the “heavenly beings to help him ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” (1). While “heavenly beings” here is directly translated from Hebrew as “sons of God” it could refer to “Canaanite mythology of lessors gods subordinate to El, the king of gods,” most likely David is referring to angelic beings. Like us even the angels learn of God’s eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:20) “from the exhibitions of His power over creation.” In first part of verse two David says we are to “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.” Psalm 8:1 tells us His name is “magnificent.” Psalm 9:10 says of God, “Those who know Your name trust in You.” Proverbs 18:10 tells us that “the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” Philippians 2:9–10 tells us there is a “name that is above every name … the name of Jesus.” Our God has a name that we must honor. Being sovereign over all creation humanity and even the divine beings are called to bow down and worship before Him (Psalms 96:7-9). While neither the heavenly beings or humanity can “give anything to God” (Acts 17:24-25) or in any way change His divine sovereignty, David says we are to come before Him clothed with “inward purity and outward holiness” that only comes from a contrite, broken, redeemed heart (Psalms 51) fully in love with and submissive to do His will! Like the angels we are called to bow down, worship Him in adoration, and above all with grateful hearts say “thank you Lord” for Your gracious gift of forgiveness and redemption! Reflection. The complexity of this universe is beyond our comprehension and yet in faith and through the testimony of experience, scripture, and the Holy Spirit we know beyond a doubt God is sovereign over all things seen and unseen (Colossians 1:16)! Though we be but jars of clay and unrighteous by our own efforts, we can’t help but bow in awe when we get even a glimpse of His glory … especially when He forgives and renews our very minds!