Psalms

Psalms 148: All creation praise the exalted LORD

Begin in prayer

Before heaven and earth are summoned to praise, let us consider the honour we have withheld from their Maker. Ask God to bring us to Jesus and give every part of our lives a thankful answer to His glory.

It is he who builds his rooms in the heavens, and has founded his vault on the earth; he who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth; Yahweh is his name.

Amos 9:6

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the Lord created and governs all things and deserves every creature's praise. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Praise is summoned from heaven, including angels, sun, moon, stars and waters above the heavens. They were created by the Lord's command and remain established beneath His lasting decree. The call reaches sea creatures and depths, weather that fulfills His word, mountains, trees and every kind of animal. Kings and peoples, rulers and judges must join young and old, men and women in praise. The Lord's name alone is exalted, and His glory stands above heaven and earth. He has lifted His people's strength and honour, giving His saints in Israel the joy of being near Him.

As you read Psalms 148, look for the answers:

• Why should the heavenly creatures praise? (verse 5)
• Whose name alone is exalted? (verse 13)

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD created and governs heaven and earth, exalts His people and deserves every creature's praise above all other names.

The call begins above the earth with angels and the shining lights, giving every heavenly creature the same duty to praise. They exist because the Lord commanded, and their continuance rests on His decree. The triune God made all things from nothing by His word in six days, and everything He made was good. The call then descends into the sea and across earth's weather, hills, plants and animals. Stormy wind is fulfilling His word, so even frightening power remains under His command. Kings and peoples, young and old, men and women are all called to praise His exalted name. The horn lifted for His people pictures their strength and honour raised by Him. His saints are called a people near Him, placing His particular care for Israel beside the praise owed by the whole creation.

How does Psalm 148 show us that the LORD created and governs heaven and earth, exalts His people and deserves every creature's praise above all other names?

The LORD's command made the heavens and His decree keeps them in place.

Angels, sun, moon and stars are summoned to praise. They were created when God commanded. His lasting decree establishes them, giving their Maker the praise their existence owes.

The LORD's exalted name deserves praise from every part of the earth.

Sea creatures, storms, mountains and animals receive the call. Kings stand beside peoples, and young people beside the old. Every rank and age must praise the name whose glory is above earth and heaven.

The LORD raises His people's strength and brings His saints near.

The lifted horn pictures strength and honour given to God's people. Israel is called a people near Him. Their received blessing gives them a special reason to join creation's praise.

Memorise

His glory is above the earth and the heavens.

Psalm 148:13

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what part of my life am I withholding from the praise the Lord Jesus deserves?

The call declares, “His glory is above the earth and the heavens.” Stars, stormy wind and rulers all owe the Lord praise. His people also thank Him for the strength and nearness He has given.

Our refusal to honour our Maker leaves us guilty before His holiness. Jesus died in His people's place under God's righteous judgment, reconciling them to the Maker whose honour their sins had withheld. He rose victorious. His finished obedience and sacrifice are enough for their forgiveness and welcome, fully answering the guilt their finest praise could never remove.

Turn from withholding honour and trust the Lord Jesus. Whoever comes to Him in faith receives forgiveness and acceptance. Ask Him to make your words and choices answer His greatness. The LORD exalts His people and draws them near, so they join all creation in praising His name.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the Lord created and governs all things and deserves every creature's praise. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Praise the Maker whose name alone is exalted and thank Him for bringing His people near. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God.

John 8:54

Exalted Lord, Your glory is above heaven and earth. Please forgive the honour we have withheld and bring us to Jesus for the pardon His finished work provides. Teach our children to praise You alongside the old and young of Your people. Thank You for the strength and nearness You give. Make our work and words a thankful answer to Your greatness. Amen.