Updated Friday, Dec. 14, 2007

Bible Studies for Life lesson for Jan. 6: Breakthrough in Focus

By John Pond

Focal Passage: Psalm 145:1-21

The authoritative document containing the Jewish traditions called the Talmud states, "Everyone who repeats the tehillah (songs of praise, the psalms) of David thrice a day may be sure that he is a child of the world to come." Dietrich Bonhoeffer saw the psalms as expressive of the unique presence of Christ - "alive, praying, enjoying blessings, suffering, and even crucified anew." What delightful treasure one discovers within and throughout the pages of the Psalms.

Psalm 145 is an acrostic poem, which calls the worshiper to praise the Lord. It begins the final movement of the Psalter, which is followed by the last five "Hallelujah" psalms. Its purpose is expressed in verses 1 and 21 - "Bless the name of the Lord..." This praise, to and for God, is unlimited and comprehensive. In fact, 16 times the words "all" and "every" appear.

What limits do we place on our appreciation and awe of God?

I had a close friend in the late 1960s who would say, "Well, praise the Lord!" over everything regardless of its nature. Whether it was something good or bad, he would dispassionately speak those four words, as if to appear super spiritual. Unfortunately, this expression was not meant seriously and thus became very irritating rather than uplifting or challenging.

David's intention is to focus the worshiper's heart on the mighty power, faithful character and compassionate provision of our "God and King" by calling him/her to recall the attributes and actions that comprise the character of the Lord; thus causing even the nations to celebrate fully the sovereignty and majesty of a faithful God.

Noted Christian writer and English curate (18th century), William Law's method of giving praise and thanks was once described by Alexander Whyte. He wrote, "For the sun, new from his Almighty Maker's hands, he had gratitude.

"For his house over his head he had gratitude. For his Bible and his spiritual books he had gratitude. For his opportunities of reading and study, as also for 10 o'clock in the morning when the widows and orphans of King's Cliffe came to his windows and so on ... A grateful heart feeds itself to still greater gratitudes on everything that comes to it."

David shouts, "My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever."