Read Psalm 96-97
I remember a few schoolyard scuffles when I was younger. In all actuality it was a whole lot more talk than action. Maybe a little pushing and shoving at the most. But mostly a whole lot of talk that never got backed up. Which was good in my case because I was a pretty scrawny kid.
I remember I'd say something along the lines of, "Yeah, well, my dad can beat up your dad!" Which very well could have been the case. My dad played offensive line in high school. Let's just say, he was sturdy. But my dad was a teddy bear so he wouldn't have hurt a soul. And honestly, for all the bravado, I never once really got into a real fight. It was all talk.
During the time the Psalms were written, Israel were constantly at war with other nations. And these nations had gods that they worshipped. Israel was to be a shining example to the other nations of what God can do if people would follow Him. Unfortunately, the nation, time and time again, went after the worthless idols of other nations.
In Psalm 96 the psalmist reminds the people that there is only one God. And He only is to be praised. In vs. 5-6 he wrote: "For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."
It is God who created the world with His words. Genesis 1 records that "God said" and "it was so". And God is full of splendor and majesty, strength and beauty. There is no comparison to the God of Creation and the gods of our own creation. Or to put it another way... "Our God can beat up your gods".
Let us not bow to the gods of money, power, lust, etc. Let us daily enter the sanctuary of God and worship His holy splendor!
What gods are you tempted to bow a knee too?
What part of creation evokes you to worship God for His beauty? Take time to praise God out in creation this week.
Prayer for the day: "God, you are beautiful and majestic. Thank you for creating the world. Thank you for creating mankind as your special creation. May I live a praise-filled life this week. In Jesus' name, amen."