"King of All the Earth" 5/20/25

Dear brothers & sisters,

What is the underlying reality that brings the people of God to joyful song? 

The psalmist declares to us, in Psalm 47, the underlying reality that puts a song of praise on the hearts and lips of God's people. He sets before all the world a call to sing, to sing praises, to sing praise to God the King.

Why? "For God is the King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7)

Psalm 47:1-9 (ESV)

[1] Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! [2] For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. [3] He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. [4] He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah [5] God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. [6] Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! [7] For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! [8] God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. [9] The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

Would you know joy today? Remember the reality that our God reigns. What blessed assurance to know that God is king over all the earth, and that in Jesus, he is the redeemer of all who trust in Him. Do you recall the sovereign rule of God often? Do you delight in His rule, or do you grumble instead like Israel who would rather have a king like the other nations? The Psalmist urges mankind to "shout... with loud songs of joy" (v1). We get loud about what we love, what we are devoted to. Do you become excited, do you shout about the Lord? You shout about other things, that delicious dessert, the movie you love, the sports team you follow. What of Him to whom your soul belongs? If you would know true peace, brothers, then you must entrust yourself to his perfect and gracious rule. His authority extends over all, no part of the earth is exempt. Even the great "shields of the earth" (v9) belong to Him, the great defenses of the nation's are his possession. So then, there is nothing in your life also over which God does not lay rightful claim. Beloved, the world's powers are not worthy of your trust, but there is one to whom all honor is due, the one who rules over all, YHWH, King of all the earth. Do not fear the powers of this world, fear the one who rules over all and is bringing all the nations under His everlasting dominion. Consider where you stand with Him. Rejoice today in His reign, seek His kingdom and His glory, for He is your King, He rules over all the earth.

Prayer: Lord teach us to sing joyfully, with the psalmist, of You our King. Give us eyes to see your rule and give us the strength, trusting in your perfect dominion, to live to honor Your Name, Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Matt