Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Psalm 19: The Glory of God - the Essential Purpose of Creation

This is a first of a series of four sermons that I hope to do this summer on the overarching theme of the Glory of God. Scripture from the beginning to the very end resonates with the chorus - "to the Glory of God." In this series, we hope to explore how rich this theme is. This first sermon will focus on creation. When we go on holidays, we often experience wonderful sights in nature. It may be that this summer you have experienced in a new way the Glory of God through creation. Feel free to share. It may well come up in this sermon.

The scripture that we will be meditating on:

Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. a
4 Their voice b
goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
a Or They have no speech, there are no words; | no sound is heard from them
b Septuagint, Jerome and Syriac; Hebrew line
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ps 19:1). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

One of the books that I am reading in preparation for this series:
"God's Passion for His Glory" by John Piper (electronic pdf version available for free on the internet. Click on the Book title)

1 comment:

Elsa said...

What do you say about tele-evangelists that claim the "glory of God" is a powerful force and is present at their assembly, causing people to fall over in its presence, bring healing, etc.