Psalm 97:1 – 98:9

April 29, 2011

Psalm 97:9 - "For thou, LORD, are high above the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods." Listen to it here. 

I remember well the first time I ever heard the praise song written from this verse. My brother-in-law sang it when he and my sister got married. What happened? What happened between the time when those words were sung and it became okay to lie, use trickery, manipulate and do whatever else it took (including a vile lawsuit) in the quest for gold? What happened?

10 "People who love the LORD hate evil." Scripture is very clear about what "evil" is. (NIV) "Let those who love the LORD hate evil." (KJV) "Ye that love the LORD hate evil." Evil is evil.You can try to sugar coat it, you can try to blame and place your actions on someone or something else, but that doesn't change the facts—evil is evil. You can try to excuse or rationalize your behavior. You can try to justify it. You can try and scheme, strategize, and manipulate your way "out" of it, but the truth remains—evil is evil! You can try to deny it, you can try to tip the scales by doing more "good" than evil, you can try to negotiate you way out of accountability by "giving" more, praising more, reading the Bible more, praying more, and none of that changes the facts—evil is evil.

You are either for God—or you are against Him. You are either submitting and surrendering all to Him as Lord—or you are your own god. You are either following His ways—or you are following your own desires. It is ALL—or nothing.  

But then Verse 10 goes on: "The LORD watches over those who follow him and frees them from the power of the wicked." That is a promise, and God delivers. Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written John 17:11;15 beside this verse.

John 17:11 - "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name... the name you gave me."
John 17:15 - "...protect them from the evil one."

Beside John 17:15 Jane has written II Timothy 4:17–18 - "But the LORD stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lions mouth. The LORD will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom."

Beside II Timothy 4:18 Jane has written II Thessalonians 3:3 - "But the LORD is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."

Psalm 98:1 - Sing to the LORD a new song...4 shout with joy to the LORD.

Psalm 97:11 - "Light shines on those who do right; joy belongs to those who are honest. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who do right.  Praise his holy name."

Psalm 97:2 - His kingdom is built on what is right and fair. Psalm 98:9 - He will judge the world fairly; he will judge the people with fairness. (Equity - NIV and KJV)
 
Blessed be the name of the LORD!


Next Entry: Psalm 99:1 – 101:8