Behold the King!
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are worthy of all honor. All I do, I do to bring glory to You who have given me life and all good things.
Read Psalm 115:1-18
[1] Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. [2] Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” [3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. [4] But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. [5] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. [6] They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. [7] They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. [8] Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. [9] All you Israelites, trust in the LORD- he is their help and shield. [10] House of Aaron, trust in the LORD- he is their help and shield. [11] You who fear him, trust in the LORD- he is their help and shield. [12] The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, [13] he will bless those who fear the LORD- small and great alike. [14] May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children. [15] May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. [16] The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. [17] It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of silence; [18] it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How would you answer the question of verse 2?We have looked at Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of heaven. Today we look at the King of that kingdom and see how he compares with the “gods” of unbelievers. Those who are outside the kingdom ask a question (2). What do you think of the psalmist’s answer (3)? He goes on to clarify that the idols of the world are handmade (4). They are lifeless. They can do nothing for their worshipers.Everyone worships something. Some of the most intelligent people worship the silliest things. Some people put their faith in flashy cars, boats, houses. Others worship drugs, alcohol, celebrities. Many of us (Christians included) can put too much faith in our families, career, health, or image. Yet anything that comes between us and God is in danger of becoming an idol. We may be wealthy and healthy; we may be gifted artists, speakers, or musicians–whatever we have or are, we still owe God all the glory. If we are going to avoid worshiping ourselves or the things that surround us, we need to keep things in perspective. God alone is the one who deserves our worship. And he alone is the one who can bless us (12-15).
Apply
Are the things you are focusing on bringing glory to God? Are you focusing on God? Ask God to give you insight.
Closing prayer
God, You desire to bless. Help me align myself with You and Your Word so that I might be blessed and be a blessing.
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