READ Psalm 148:7–14. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 14 And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
PRAISE THAT UNITES. We see extremes brought together in praise (verses 10–12): wild animals and kings, old and young. “Young men and maids, old men and babes.”146 How can humans be brought into the music? “He has raised up for his people a horn” (verse 14), a strong deliverer. The Gospels tell us this is Jesus (Luke 1:69), who brings us to God (verse 14). When your soul through grace begins to praise God, you come into harmony with the rest of the universe, which is also singing. Your redeemed voice contributes its own unique chord and adds to the overwhelming beauty. Praise unites us also with one another. Here is “the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God.”147 Praise the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, glorify yourself before the world and put forth your power to unite the extremes of humankind in the church of Jesus Christ. Unite the races, the classes, the genders, the tribes—all in praise. You have begun this good work; now bring it to completion in Jesus Christ. Amen.