God’s Saving Word: Faith
Introduction
Psalm 47: Today’s reading is a psalm proclaiming that God is our supreme ruler. It is a celebratory hymn in praise of God’s kingship and was probably used in some form of liturgical procession.
Scripture Reading
The Supreme Ruler
47 Clap your hands for joy, all peoples!
Praise God with loud songs!
2 The Lord, the Most High, is to be feared;
he is a great king, ruling over all the world.
3 He gave us victory over the peoples;
he made us rule over the nations.
4 He chose for us the land where we live,
the proud possession of his people, whom he loves.
5 God goes up to his throne.
There are shouts of joy and the blast of trumpets,
as the Lord goes up.
6 Sing praise to God;
sing praise to our king!
7 God is king over all the world;
praise him with songs!
8 God sits on his sacred throne;
he rules over the nations.
9 The rulers of the nations assemble
with the people of the God of Abraham.
More powerful than all armies is he;
he rules supreme.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 47:8
God sits on his sacred throne; he rules over the nations.
Reflect
Psalm 47 was most likely used as a liturgical hymn in connection with a worship festival. Christians associate this psalm with Jesus’s ascension into heaven, and Jewish people associate this psalm with Rosh-ha-Shanah, the beginning of the new year. According to verses 1, 6, and 7, what are worshipers instructed to do? How are festival occasions celebrated in your community of faith?
Pray
Sovereign God, your reign is eternal. With my whole being I praise your holy name. With a song in my heart I joyfully proclaim your love for all people. You are king over all the world. Reign in my heart, Lord God! Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Acts 1:1-11: Jesus is taken up to heaven.