Praise God! Praise the Son! – 31 May 2022

Lord,
words seem to be lacking when I,
an imperfect human being,
seek to bring you praise,
my tongue twists
and what I want to say
cannot seem to find expression,
yet I find myself stuttering, producing a jarring noise,
as a mere human, I battle to declare,
I love you dearly, Lord. I worship you, my Lord.

And then I remember: God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5) I can and may speak to the Lord; I may joyously praise the Lord, even though sometimes it is merely stuttering, dissonant sentences. He hears correctly and never gives paltry answers! Therefore, praise to God and praise to the Son are exceedingly appropriate! Especially from me!

In the words of Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) we praise Christ the Son! “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

In Romans 11:33-36 Paul praises God! “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!“ For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

Paul sings this hymn of praise because he clings to the Godliness of God. His unanswered questions in the hymn, reveal that he does not understand everything about God. But that does not stop him from believing in God. His faith is anchored in the knowledge that God is faithful, and that He understands everything. Therefore, he (Paul), can sing about God’s inscrutable wealth, wisdom, and knowledge at the top of his voice. (Van Rensburg FJ & Nel M: Bybellenium p 1 764)

Prayer: In unison with the psalmist, I want to praise the Lord “who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. (Psalm 103:4-5) Amen