Easter 5
Devotional
Water From the Rock
Lectionary Devotional for Cycle C
Object:
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
-- Psalm 148:13
Psalm 148 is a psalm of praise that includes every facet of existence. It is a psalm that belongs at the end of the hymn of creation when God "saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). You can imagine God having completed his work on the seventh day and suddenly the whole creation bursting forth in praise. It comes from the heavens, the angels, and the hosts (vv. 1-2). It springs forth from the sun, moon, and stars (v. 3) and from the waters that were left above the firmament on the second day of creation (v. 4). This watery chaos, whose bounds were fixed by God, gives testimony to the sovereignty of God over all the forces of chaos (vv. 5-6). That same praise echoes from the mystery of the forces within the created world. The sea monsters, deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, and stormy winds all obey God's commands (vv. 7-8).
From the mountains to the hills, from fruit trees to cedars, and all forms of animal life the praise of God springs forth (vv. 9-10). All classes, sexes, and ages of people from kings to children are invited to praise God (vv. 11-12). Praise is at the center of all creation because every facet of the jewel reflects God's continuing glory (v. 13). It is this same God who has chosen to raise the sign for a chosen people as a sign of God's love for all people. The ultimate symbol of God's glory is God's capacity to love a particular people (v. 14). It is clear that the creator of all that exists can also personally care for the few and even the individual.
-- Psalm 148:13
Psalm 148 is a psalm of praise that includes every facet of existence. It is a psalm that belongs at the end of the hymn of creation when God "saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). You can imagine God having completed his work on the seventh day and suddenly the whole creation bursting forth in praise. It comes from the heavens, the angels, and the hosts (vv. 1-2). It springs forth from the sun, moon, and stars (v. 3) and from the waters that were left above the firmament on the second day of creation (v. 4). This watery chaos, whose bounds were fixed by God, gives testimony to the sovereignty of God over all the forces of chaos (vv. 5-6). That same praise echoes from the mystery of the forces within the created world. The sea monsters, deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, and stormy winds all obey God's commands (vv. 7-8).
From the mountains to the hills, from fruit trees to cedars, and all forms of animal life the praise of God springs forth (vv. 9-10). All classes, sexes, and ages of people from kings to children are invited to praise God (vv. 11-12). Praise is at the center of all creation because every facet of the jewel reflects God's continuing glory (v. 13). It is this same God who has chosen to raise the sign for a chosen people as a sign of God's love for all people. The ultimate symbol of God's glory is God's capacity to love a particular people (v. 14). It is clear that the creator of all that exists can also personally care for the few and even the individual.
