Sunday, July 14, 2024

Psalm 146

Psalms 146-150 are known by some as the “Hallelujah Psalms” because the first and last word in the original language is “Hallelujah.” Translated to modern day, the Psalms start and end with “Praise the Lord.” The reason for praise differs by Psalm, and in chapter 146 the reason the author calls people to praise is because God is utterly different from the leaders of this world.

The central tenant of the passage is that the rulers (princes, authorities, kings/queens, presidents, etc.) of this earth are temporary, while God’s reign is forever. The author highlights the differences between earthly kings and the “God of Jacob.” Included in the contrasting language is an important distinction- who God helps.

Earthly kings help themselves, while the true God helps the weak, the poor in Spirit, the prisoner, the oppressed, and those who are bowed down. In this language, it is not hard to make the connection to Jesus as the embodiment of God’s character. When Jesus arrives he makes it a point to highlight his mission to “proclaim good news to the poor and the prisoner, to set the captives free, to give the blind sight… (Luke 4:18).”

God is worthy of our praise because he is different than all the other leaders and authorities we might choose. Nothing represents this more perfectly than God’s ultimate rescue plan- sending his Son to die. Our hearts will hopefully attest and cry out with the Psalmist, “Praise the Lord!” at his good news.

See you Sunday!

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