HE IS THE KING OF KINGS
If you live on this earth, you have seen His miraculous power at work. In the light of who He is and what he does for us, shouldn’t he be held supreme above any power, above any relationship, or any possessions? What position does God hold in your life?
We are journeying through the Book of Psalms. This week, we look at Psalm 8, Psalm 100, Psalm 97, Psalm 75, and portions of Psalm 105 and Psalm 25
Take this journey with us and with God and his heavenly host as we learn how and what it means to pray using the Psalms.
The Psalms are prayers, and hymns snugged within the heart of the Bible. (Split)
Bursting forth in praise, exultation, sorrow, and sometimes hearts of desperation, these sacred verses have been echoed in private prayer closets and in public spaces alike.
The Psalms have been expressed on the lips of people from every walk of life, from the person standing on the street corner to top leading officials.
Psalms are choruses that transcend time and space.
As we journey through the Psalms, may they be a guiding light to lead you into a deeper relationship with God.
Review our past and present videos at SabbathSchoolDaily.com or visit my YouTube Channel,
Sabbath School Daily by Dr. Brenda Ware Davis
Inviting God’s Presence:
Father, you are our creator; you are the ruler of everything; you reign in our life. May we not place anyone, anything, or any power above you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 1:
THE BOOK OF PSALMS maintains that the Lord God is King and ruler over everything. He is the creator of everything. For Instance, Psalm 93:1 expresses that God is King over our world.
1 The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely, the world is established so that it cannot be moved. (Psalms 93:1)
As the Mighty King of this universe, different from any earthly king, he rules with fairness, justice, and righteousness. Thus, His laws are good, and they give life to everyone who obeys them. The Lord is also a fair Judge who protects, and it is by his power that everything is sustained and well-ordered. He rewards the righteous and punishes those who refuse to obey Him. Psalms, however, make it clear that rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked is in his own time and not ours. He decides when to administer punishment and give out rewards.
God’s covenant with Ancient Israel was a promise to redeem the world. This covenant God fulfilled when he sent his son Jesus to die for all humanity. Those who accept Jesus are his prized possession. They are his people and the sheep of his pasture; He promises to take care of them.
God kept his promise to ancient Israel, transferring it to all nations at the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Like ancient Israel, he continues to care for us even when, at times, we are unfaithful.
Because the Lord is King, we can trust Him to keep us safe.
In fact, look at what it says here: Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s notice. Satan’s hatred against God leads him to delight in destroying even the dumb creatures. It is only through God’s protecting care that the birds are preserved to gladden us with their songs of joy. But He does not forget even the sparrows. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, pp. 272, 273. (Split)
This assures us that with God as our Ruler, our King, we do not need to worry because our world is safe and secure under the shadow of his mighty wing. This message is what the psalmist wants us to understand. With this idea as their guide, the psalmist seeks to live and faithfully serve God with all their hearts.
How are the people of God portrayed in the Psalms? And what does the Psalms reveal about the Character of God?
To get an idea, review Psalms 8 and Psalms 100. Then view the next segment of this video: Day 2: The Lord Has Made Us
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 2: The Lord Has Made Us
Psalms 8 and Psalms 100 are reminders that God is our creator. He created heaven and earth. He reigns Supreme; He is our provider and sustainer. Thus, He is worthy of our praise.
As with other portions of the Bible, the psalmists proclaim God’s power and authority over the entire universe.
For instance,
In Psalm 19:1–4 and Psalm 97:6, God’s power and glory are proclaimed, expressing that the heavens show “His handiwork.”
In Psalm 8:1, 9 God’s name is declared as excellent and majestic in all the earth.
Psalm 93:2 and Psalms 102:25–27 talk of God’s existence, expressing that He is “everlasting”; His years have no end.
Moreover, besides everlasting, He is superior and more powerful than the “gods” of other nations. Psalms 115:4 and 7 express that their gods are only “the work of men’s hands” and nothing more. They are idols who “have hands, but they handle not.”
In contrast, Psalm 95:4 and 5 proclaim that in the hands of the God of gods, the Almighty, are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also His. The sea is His, for He made it, And His hands formed the dry land.
Psalm 29, Psalm 93, and Psalm 104 talk of God’s power and control over the forces in nature. Whereas the other nations viewed the forces in nature as gods.
Thus, the Psalms restates the claim made by other writers of the Bible that the Lord is the King of all creation. He is more powerful, and He reigns supreme, high above any other god.
We must be clear that not all gods are statues made from stone, wood, or gold. Psalms 100:3 helps us to see that other gods, false gods, are set up when we hold to ideas and concepts and make them supreme in contrast to God’s word, the Bible. The point is that a subtle form of worshipping other gods is self-reliance or self-dependence apart from God. This is the point the psalmist makes in Psalm 100:3 when he says:
3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalms 100:3)
Thus, the only One we should worship is the One who made us. Like sheep, we are dependent on Him for our existence.
In creating us, the world, and everything in it, God shows us His love. Everything on this earth owes its life and existence to God. He is the sustainer of life. If, at once, he would withdraw his protective care, our world and everything in it would cease to exist. It is God who keeps everything alive. This is the point that Psalm 95:7 makes: He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
He, according to Psalms 147:4, is the one who determined the number of the stars and called them by name, not us!
In Psalm 100:3, we see that God chose us to be His sheep and graze in his pasture. What does this say? It says that God wants to be in a close relationship with us. We have no power apart from God; Only God can bless us and give us success.
Therefore, He is the only One worthy of our worship and trust. Many of the Psalms call for everything that has breath, all the earth, the sea, and everything in it, to praise the Lord.
It is true that because of sin, this earth is not perfect. But, even in its imperfection, we see God’s wonderful love in everything He made. From this viewpoint, the psalmist in Psalms 8:4 asks 4 the question: What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:4).
If God, according to Psalms 147:4, “counts the stars and names each one” (Psalm 147:4). How much more do you think God cares about you? How, then, should we respond to his love and rulership?
To discover more about God and his mighty love and power, read Psalms 97, then continue to the next segment of this video: Day 3: The Lord Reigns
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 3: The Lord Reigns
Acknowledging God as the creator of everything inseparably establishes Him as Lord and Ruler. The declaration of God as ruler is expressed in Psalm 93:1, Psalm 96:10, Psalm 97:1, and Psalm 99:1. They affirm that “The Lord reigns.” He is the ruler of heaven and earth. (Split)
Psalm 93:1 and Psalms 104:1 declare that the Lord is clothed with honor, majesty, and strength.
While Psalm 97:2 indicates that he is surrounded by clouds and darkness, Psalms 104:2 expresses that He also covers Himself “with light as a garment.”
What is the significance of these metaphors? What are the psalmists trying to say using these word-pictures?
These metaphors of God are designed to demonstrate His unique power as King. His royal beauty, His power, and His greatness are beyond human expression and comprehension. They are beyond anything we as humans can speak or conceive in our minds.
Pause and Read how the psalmist in Psalm 97 describes God.
Psalm 97:2 tells us that “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Then verse 10 tells us that “He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:1, 5, 9 identifies that his domain covers the entire earth.
No earthly king has power and dominion greater than He.
Who is God?
His authority and rulership are seen in His works of creation (Psalms 96:5), His salvation (Psalms 98:2), and judgment (Psalms 96:10). He, according to Psalms 47:6-9 is the “King of all the earth.”
Psalm 45:6, Psalm 93:1, 2, and Psalm 103:19 tell us that God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. No other kingdom can compare to His kingdom in power and majesty.
- Psalm 98:3 and Psalm 99:4 declare that the Lord’s rulership is established on mercy, fairness, justice, and righteousness. How He rules brings order and stability to the created world.
- God’s kingdom joins everyone both in heaven and on earth in offering praise to Him according to Psalm 103:20–22 and Psalm 148.
- Many of the psalmists acknowledge God’s authority and dominion in heaven and on earth (For examples, see: Psalm 96:10; Psalm 97:1; Psalm 99:1; Psalm 145:11–13.
As it stands, however, many do not acknowledge the Lord as King. They refuse to honor Him as ruler of heaven and earth. As a matter of fact, they make a mockery of God and oppress His people. Read what it says in Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 74:3–22 about the attitude of the wicket toward God and his people.
What is interesting is God, in his mercy and fairness as ruler, allows many of those who make a mockery of him and oppress His people to enjoy much success.
As a matter of fact, the writers of the Book of Psalms were troubled by God’s patience toward the wicked. Yet even with their observance and troubling feelings about how God allows the wicked to prosper, the psalmist determined in their hearts to trust in God’s righteous judgment as in Psalm 68:21; Psalm 73:17–20.
Despite what we may see, by faith, we trust in the saving work of Jesus as found in Matthew 12:26–28). Thus, we wait with joy and anticipation for Him to come as King at the Second Coming, as Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 15:20–28.
We love people, but as indicated in Psalms 97:10, because we love the Lord, we “Hate evil, knowing that the day will surely come when God will deliver his people from the hands of the wicked. What, then, will happen to the wicked? View the next segment of this video. Day 4: God is Judge
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 4: God is Judge
Judgment in our society is often associated with our legal system which pertains to the court’s final ruling on a specific case. The decision is based on the law and the evidence presented in court. The authoritative figure presiding over the legal proceedings and executing the final decision is a judge.
The Psalms depict God as our judge; He will render a final decision in the courts of heaven on the outcome of the righteous and the wicked.
He decides, based on the evidence of how we live our lives, whether we will receive punishment or an eternal reward.
Pause and Read Psalm 75. In it, we learn that the boasting of the wicked will be in vain because God is the Judge.
Psalms 75:10 declares:
10 “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” (Psalms 75:10)
The Lord, as the Mighty King of the universe, is also the Giver of the Law according to Psalm 99:7
Psalm 98:9 and Psalm 97:2 tell us that He is also the Judge.
God, when he created our world, established order, but the wicked, in their persistence in doing evil, threatened His just order. But Psalm 75:8–10 and Psalm 96:13 tell us that the day is coming when God will judge the world and bring evil and all those who practice evil to its end.
For instance, Psalm 75:8–10 says.
For in the hand of the Lord, there is a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down.
9 But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (Split)
10 “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” (Psalm 75:8–10)
Notice what it says in Psalms 96:13
13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. (Psalm 96:13).
Notice also that Psalm 75 has several metaphors or word pictures that indicate that God will destroy the wicked.
For example, Psalm 75:8 depicts an image of a cup with red wine. What is this cup?
Jeremiah 25:15 and Revelation 14:10 help us understand that this cup suggests that God is very angry because of the sin and suffering in our world brought on by the wicked, those who practice evil.
In contrast to the wicked, Psalm 75:10 lets us know that although God says He will destroy the wicked, He will honor His people, those who love and obey Him.
But according to Psalms 75:2, God chooses the “proper time” or His “appointed time” for His judgment.
Psalms 96:13 and I Corinthians 15:23-25 tell us that this executive judgment will take place at the end of time.
In the book The Upward Look, observe what the writer says about the judgment of the wicked and the redemption of the righteous.
The Lord of heaven is represented as raising up the fallen. He is the Friend of all who love and fear Him, and He will punish everyone who dares to lead them astray from safe paths, putting them in positions of distress as they conscientiously endeavor to keep the way of the Lord and reach the abodes of the righteous.
Not a sparrow falleth to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father. Then let men be careful how, by word or action, they cause one of God’s little ones sorrow or grief. If the little sparrow that has no soul cannot fall to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father, surely the souls of those for whom Christ has died are precious, and will not God judge those who cause pain or disappointment to the hearts of those for whom Christ has given His life?
Who can measure or anticipate the gift of God? For ages, sin [has] interrupted the divine flow of benevolence to man, but that mercy and great love purchased for the fallen race has not ceased to accumulate; it has not lost its earthward direction. God lives and reigns, and in Christ He has poured forth on the world a healing flood. Our Saviour has made every provision for man.—The Upward Look, p. 364.
Psalm 14:2 tells us that the work of God as judge involves him observing “To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.” This verse takes us back to Genesis 6:5, 8 when God decided to destroy the earth with a flood.
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5, 8)
How will God perform His special work as Judge?
First, God saves the righteous from the wicked, as expressed in Psalm 97:10 and Psalm 146:9.
Psalms 97:10
10 You who love the Lord hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hands of the wicked. (Psalms 97:10)
Psalms 146:9
9 The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. (Psalms 146:9)
According to Psalm 149:4, God takes pleasure in His people; He beautifies the humble with salvation. Thus, he saves the humble.
Second, in Psalm 97:3, we are told that God’s enemies will be destroyed with fire.
In fact, some of the writers in the Book of Psalms, such as in Psalm 76:3–6, talk about how human weapons are useless against the divine Judge from heaven.
Although the Lord is a forgiving God, Psalm 99:8 lets us know that He punishes the sins of the wicked.
Interestingly, though, both wicked and righteous must give an account to God for their behavior.
Therefore, God’s work as a Judge starts with His people, the righteous. Then, it extends to the whole earth, as indicated in Deuteronomy 32:36 and 1 Peter 4:17.
Deuteronomy 32:36
36 “For the Lord will judge His people And have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their power is gone, And there is no one remaining, bond or free. (Deuteronomy 32:36)
I Peter 4:17
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)
The poet in Psalm 7:8-11 calls for God to judge him, yet he relies on God’s righteousness according to Psalm 139:23, 24 asking God to search him and know his heart: try him and know his thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in him, and (he asks God to) lead him in the way everlasting. (Split)
Let me say that righteous judgment is not something to be feared.
The poets in the Psalms call on us to rejoice in anticipation of God’s judgment: See Psalm 67:4, Psalm 96:10–13, and Psalm 98:4–9.
This is because God’s work as Judge is good news for everyone who accepts Jesus and lives righteously before God. (Split)
What does it mean to live righteously before God? To find out, view the next segment of this video: Day 5: Ever Mindful of His Covenant
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 5: Ever Mindful of His Covenant
The thought of God judging us humans makes people wonder: How can those who believe in God feel secure about themselves and be sure they’ll be saved when judgment happens?
These Bible verses can help us with that. Take a moment to read Psalm 94:14, Psalm 105:7-10, and Daniel 7:22.
Daniel 7:22 tells us that God’s judgment is on the side of His people:
“until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” (Daniel 7:22)
God’s people are safe because He chose to live with them in Zion according to Psalms 76:1, 2 and made an everlasting promise to them as expressed in Psalm. 94:14 and Psalms 105:8–10.
God not only promises not to abandon His people, but He actively protects them. He forgives their sins and heals all their diseases, according to Psalm 103:3.
He instructs sinners. He guides the humble in what is right, and He teaches them his ways. He gives peace to His people, and He blesses and strengthens them. See Psalm 25:8−11, Psalm 29:11, and Psalm 105:24.
What is the purpose of God’s judgments? What is His aim?
It is God’s purpose to lead us to do what’s right and show that He cares for his people, as expressed in Psalms 94:8–15.
Pause and Read Psalm 105. It tells the story of how the Lord has always been faithful and has always kept His promises throughout Israel’s history.
God was there in the good times and the bad times.
He guided Joseph to Egypt, saving His people and others during a famine, as expressed in Psalm105:16−24.
The Lord raised up Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery with signs and wonders according to Psalm 105:25−38.
God gave His people the Promised Land, as indicated in Psalm 105:11, 44. And Psalm 105:12−15 tells us He always protected them.
He multiplied them (Psalm 105:24).
He freed them from oppressors (Psalm 105:37, 38)
and provided for their needs (Psalm 105:39−41).
The psalmists want God’s people to remember and never forget that the Lord is always in control.
When God remembers His covenant and His promises, He is not just recalling them; it is to reassure us that his remembrance always leads to Him taking action.
In Genesis 8:1, we find God remembered Noah and all the inhabitants in the ark, and He caused the water covering the earth to subside.
1 Samuel 1:19 God remembered Hannan, who was childless, and He caused her to conceive and give birth to a son.
Psalm 98:3 tells us He remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel, allowing all the earth to see the salvation of the Lord. (Psalm 98:3)
Psalm 105:42–44 we find that He remembered His promise to His servant Abraham; therefore, He delivered his people and gave them the lands of the Gentiles.
Likewise, when we are called to remember God’s wonders and judgments, it means we should live in ways that honor Him.
In their covenant with God, Israel’s main job was to remain faithful to God by observing His laws. See Psalm 78:5−7 and Psalm 105:45. (Split)
They were also, according to Psalm 105:1, 2, supposed to proclaim God among the people, singing songs and talking of his wonderous works because God wanted everyone to join His people in worshipping Him.
As indicated in Psalm 89:28-34, We can be sure that this world is secure in the protective covenant that our almighty and merciful God has made with his people. He is faithful, and he always keeps his promises.
In Jesus, God’s promise to Israel is extended to us. See what it says in Galatians 3:26-29
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)
Though we cannot trust humans to keep their promises, God is faithful, and he always keeps his promises.
To discover more about God and his mighty works, continue to the final segment of this video: Day 6: Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
Psalms
(Lesson 3)
The Lord Reigns
Day 6: Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
The ten precepts given at Mont Sinai made it clear that God has jurisdiction over our entire world. These ten precepts demonstrate God’s love for humanity. They came from the voice of God saying: “This do, and you will not come under the dominion and control of Satan.”
Review Psalm 19:7, Psalm 93:5, Psalm 119:165, Psalm 1:2, 6, Psalm 18:30, and Psalm 25:10. In these verses, the psalmists attest to the value of God’s ten precepts saying:
In Psalms 19:7
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
Psalms 93:5
5 Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever. – Psalms 93:5
Psalms 119:165
165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalms 1:2
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Psalms 1:6
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalms 18:30
30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Like the Ten Commandments given at Mont Sinai, these verses highlight the Lord’s supreme role as the Creator, King, and Judge. They demonstrate how trustworthy His teachings are. The term “testimonies” in Hebrew, meaning “decree” or “law,” refers to the set of laws and guidelines that govern the religious and social life of God’s people.
These laws are described as “very sure” in Psalm 93:5, showing they are as reliable and as lasting as God’s throne and the world He created and sustains.
Psalm. 93:1, 2 express.
1 The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely, the world is established so that it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. (Psalms 93:1-2)
The Hebrew word “sure” (from which the English word “amen” is derived) implies reliability, faithfulness, and firmness, as in 2 Samuel 7:16 and 1 Chronicle 17:23. (Split)
In other words, God’s laws are unchanging and indestructible.
God guarantees the integrity of His promises and commands. They are trustworthy. His faithfulness is both reassuring and assuring of the unchanging nature of His commands. Thus, in response, he expects His people to respond with trust and obedience.
At the same time, the psalmist in Psalms 18:7 and Isaiah, in Isaiah 24:18-21, poetically describes the lack of justice in the world as compared to a shaking of the earth’s foundation.
God’s law guides us in the path of a righteous assuring us a way of life that can withstand His judgment.
Thus, the righteous, firmly grounded in God’s law, won’t be shaken, and they remain steadfast, as expressed in Psalm 112:1, 6, and 7.
In other words, as the psalmist expresses in Psalm 119:165, for those who keep God’s law, nothing can cause them to stumble.
This signifies God’s protection and guidance, which is identified in Psalm 1:2, 3, 6
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1:2-3, 6)
As a matter of fact, the psalmist Psalm 119:105 and 110 portrays God’s Word as a lamp guiding our path and protecting us from hidden traps set by our enemies.
The point is that those who love God’s law enjoy great peace, not because they’re free from trials but because they have a close relationship with Him.
Though we are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus Christ, God has provided his law to be a lamp to guide us and as peace to sustain us in times of trouble. Moreover, when we abide by his commands, it keeps us out of trouble.
That peace that is promised to those who love His law is offered to all, even you.
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