Yes, we are in Psalm 95 today. Before we study more in Hebrews, I want us to read this Psalm, and study the contrast between those who love Him and adore Him (Psalm 95:1-7) and the devastating consequences for those who do not (Psalm 95:8-11). You will see when we get to Hebrews 4, that the author quotes from Psalm 95. So, let’s get familiar with it.
The first six verses of this Psalm are full of worship and adoration. They are a great instruction manual to us all on Who God is, and how we should worship Him! In just these few verses, we learn that God is our Rock and the One who saves us. God is great. Huge. He’s King and is above all gods. He’s so huge that He can hold mountains and oceans in His hands. He is our maker and He cares for us like a shepherd would His flock. This is how we should worship God. Reminding ourselves while we praise Him for Who He is and marveling at it all.
Next, we learn how to adore. We kneel. We bow down. We acknowledge that we are “under His care.” This is what loving God looks like! This is a softened heart and a person who has turned to God in love and praise. This is what God seeks.
Halfway through verse 7 of this Psalm, the whole vibe changes with this one sentence: “If only you would listen to His voice today!” The Psalmist is pleading with God’s people to hear Him – just like our Hebrews writer was pleading in the latter part of Chapter 3. Don’t harden your heart against God. In this Psalm, we literally hear God’s voice as He shares His hurt. For forty years some of His people “tried His patience”. That’s a looooong time to be patient, isn’t it? Over and over, even after seeing all God did for them, He watched in anger as they disobeyed to their own hurt. A natural consequence of turning away from the living God and not wanting to follow and be His, will be to never enter His rest – the beautiful place He’s prepared for us. So, so sad. Yet, the one thing God will not do is make us love Him. Love, by its very nature, has to be freely offered. The rejection cut deep. It’s not like He liked them walking away. He loved all the people, but only some let Him in to love them deeply and be loved back. Let’s be like those who let Him in. And in post New Testament times, He literally does come in by His Spirit. We are blessed.
My verse: Psalm 95:6-7a, “Come let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God …”
My response: Father God, I don’t kneel often enough. I don’t literally bow my body down before You or lie prostrate in awe. I’m feeling convicted that I worship You too often “comfortably” on my couch. Help me to choose times to take my body and tell You with it how much I adore You with it in a posture of penitence and humility. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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v,3 “For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
Dear Father, On this day, September 11, when we are reminded of so many evil acts, including the horrible shootings yesterday, thank you for these words of your sovereignty. I praise you Lord, that you are the great God, the great King above all gods. May more people be drawn to you, Lord, to see you as the instrument of peace. Help me, Lord, to spread your Word.
We needed reminding, today, that He is still seated on His throne and someday … all evil will be vanquished, and Love will win! Praising Him with you as the great God, King above all gods!
Psalm 95:7a
“for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care”
Heavenly Father, Lord Almighty, King of kings. The Good Shepherd. We are your sheep. I will follow you and seek your guidance – you will always provide what I need. Thank you for your Word. Thank you Lord for searching for me, your lost sheep, making sure I made it home to you.
I so love all the Names of God – from King of kings to Shepherd of little lost sheep. He is big and mighty and merciful and tender – Perfect in every way!