"Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him. Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator, Zion's children exult in their King. Let them praise his name in dance: strike up the band and make great music! And why? Because God delights in his people, festoons plain folk with salvation garlands! Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they're sitting, Shout the high praises of God, and brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance..." Psalm 149:1-5, The Message
Don't you just love the imagery of the Psalmist's words? His word pictures are especially vivid in the common street language of his day. 'Strike up the band'...'festoons plain folk' (I definitely fit in that crowd)...'salvation garlands'...'true lovers break out in song'...'brandish their swords in wild sword-dance.' The heart attitude of our lives can be experienced as a street praise festival! I don't mean to disrespect or trivialize harder times; but, even they can be livened up a bit. I guess you better have really good timing and rhythm during the wild sword-dance.
Take a few minutes to read and reflect on the last part of this Psalm, verses 6-9.
“A portent of vengeance on the God--defying nations, a signal that punishment’s coming. Their Kings chained and hauled off to jail, their leaders behind bars for good, The judgment of them carried out to the letter—and all who love God in the seat of honor! Hallelujah!”
The tone indicates that God honors and bestows on those who 'Praise', the opportunity of carrying out justice. Hasn't your heart cried out repeatedly with a need for justice? Mine has and still does; especially in light of the atrocities of our day. The High Praises of God prepares our heart to properly execute justice. God even communicates His loving justice through our praise. Praise Him! He is a just God! He will be a just God through the praises of His people, today!
In the grip of Papa’s Justice and grace! Ron Ross
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