The brevity of this psalm communicates its important, pivotal, and central message. In fact, Psalm 117 falls in the center of the Bible. I’m not sure how meaningful that fact is, but it is noteworthy. Much of the Bible’s message is contained in these two short verses. One chapter, two verses, and powerful truths.
“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” Psalm 117:1
God is the central figure in all of history. And God exalts his Son. He has bestowed upon the Son a name that is above every other name. Don’t forget Paul’s clear, strong, and pivotal message in Philippians 2.
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
Now or later all nations will bow the knee. Now or later all nations will lift their voices in praise. Now or later all peoples will extol the name of the Lord.
However. Not yet. And because of that fact there is much more to do.
His kingdom has not been fully accomplished at this moment. His will has not been fully accomplished at this moment. At this moment, not all nations bow the knee nor do they confess with their tongues. But, all and every will bow.
“…the Lord’s vision is all-inclusive of every nation. All tribes. All peoples. All languages. His vision—the vision of heaven…is one where the Father is being praised in every language He has placed on the tongues of men, and His beloved Son is being worshiped by those who owe Him everything.” Paul Chitwood, IMB President
Central. Pivotal. Take the message of this psalm to heart.
The church is the only institution that does not exist for itself. We exist to praise God and invite others to praise God. Every church. Every nation. All peoples.
But why? Why do we praise God? Why should every—every—nation praise God? Why should other so-called faiths bow their knees to our God? Why should all—all—peoples praise God? Moses reminds us that “…there is no one like the Lord our God” (Exodus 8:10). But how is our God different?
Why praise the Lord?
“For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.” Psalm 117:2
We praise God and we extol him because we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). What is our experience with him? In life? In loss? At all times? His love is unending, uninterrupted, and dependable. Great is his steadfast love.
Further, his faithfulness is unassailable. His faithfulness is enduring, uninterrupted. Dependable. Trustworthy. Our trust is entirely appropriate at all times and in all situations.
Even through loss.
Especially through loss.
His faithfulness is not for the days of our temporal life. His faithfulness extends into eternity. Our eternal good is on a solid foundation. Love and faithfulness are repeated promises from the Lord. Psalm 34:5 says it this way: “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Count on his steadfast love and faithfulness.
And respond accordingly.
The gospel annihilates hopelessness, inspires us to praise, and commissions us to go to the nations. The message of enduring love and faithfulness is for all nations and all peoples. Not just for us. All nations and all peoples should praise and extol the name of the Lord because his steadfast love and faithfulness are given to us forever.
One chapter, two verses, and powerful truths. Praise the name of the Lord!
“…Praise the Lord!” Psalm 117:2
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Wow – you certainly mined a lot of gold from those two verses! Your vision for all people and all nations to bow the knee and praise with their lips is enhanced knowing that you have personally taken the gospel to another continent. May the Lord continue to produce fruit from your labors.
Thanks, Greg…it’s a joy to be redeemed and encourage other peoples and languages to repent and experience redemption.
Yes, “Further, his faithfulness is unassailable. His faithfulness is enduring, uninterrupted. Dependable. Trustworthy. Our trust is entirely appropriate at all times and in all situations.
Even through loss.
Especially through loss”.
D Ray,thank you for this reminder.
I pray you’re doing well, Lynn! Thank you!