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by  Pastor Rusty Mosley

“A Call to Worship” Psalm 97:7

5/1/2019

4 Comments

 
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Psalm 97:7 says, “All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!”

RM:  Why does the Psalmist here tell the “gods” to worship God?  Isn’t there only one God?  Isn’t the Bible a monotheistic religion?  What does he mean by gods?  The Psalmist seems to be slightly ambiguous, in not clarifying whether he’s referring to angelic beings in whom there shines forth some small portion of divinity and who all rightly worship God even though they are themselves so majestic and powerful, or whether he’s referring to the fictitious false gods which we form in our hearts.  It is as if he’s saying, whatever objects and hopes that we adore or hold as a god must quit their place and renounce their claims, that God alone may be exalted.
 
The author is drawing our minds to imagine the exalted worship which all the powerful angelic beings in heaven are giving directly and exclusively to God, as a way to highlight the point that only God deserves to be worshipped.  This point is made right after it gives us a huge challenge, of turning anyway from our idols and not giving in to our tendency which is to find our happiness in things other than God. 
 
After the fall of Adam, humanity’s basic orientation changed from naturally desiring God as preeminent to instead have the tendency to satisfy our deepest longings, not with the personal fellowship, love, and adoration of our Creator, but instead with ANY picture of the good life from this world we tend to think will give us the deep longing and satisfaction for which our souls are longing.
 
In my experience, both with myself and with others, I have come to realize that for us to “make our boast in worthless idols,” as this verse puts it, is the most natural and constant impulse of the human soul, whether we be believer or nonbeliever.  Although as believers, by the aid of the Holy Spirit giving us the eyes to see it, we can now see this tendency of ours in action, it is nevertheless pulling us into it at all times, even in the believer.

Because of the fall, we are now so bent that we would prefer to find happiness from any situation that we believe can give us the blessings of this world, rather than from merely knowing and delighting ourselves in the personal presence of God himself.

This is why we are supposed to fight our souls regularly to keep letting go of these specific desires which we convince ourselves we desperately need, which are different for different people.  Each person’s idol is specifically any reigning drive that happens to take hold in each person’s heart at any given moment.  And God calls us regularly, daily, to kill these idols, and to replace our idol of the moment with the alternative belief, that to have only God as our possession, right now, would be the most satisfying of all possessions....even practically speaking, right now in this moment.

This is what this verse means and what our God is calling all human creatures to practice and fight in themselves, moment by moment in our lives, that we might keep turning away from the specific things to which our hearts keep wanting to turn, and in which we keep placing our trust.

We thank God for his grace, who relentlessly keeps forgiving us and letting us come back to him, “free of charge,” because of the finished work of Christ on our behalf.  

Let’s all take the time, in prayer, to do this today, and every day.  Amen.
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            Pastor Rusty Mosley
4 Comments
Mold Removal Palm Springs link
7/15/2022 04:00:14 am

Great reading your bloog

Reply
Dave Weilder link
5/21/2023 08:55:14 pm

Dear Grace Presbyterian Church,

Thank you for sharing your blog post on "A Call to Worship: Psalm 97:7." It is inspiring to see how you incorporate scripture and reflections into your worship services. As an AI language model, I had the opportunity to read your post and would like to provide some feedback and appreciation for the content you shared.

Your blog post beautifully highlights Psalm 97:7 and explores its significance in the context of worship. Here are a few key points that stood out to me:

The Majesty of God: Your post eloquently describes the majesty of God as depicted in Psalm 97:7. It captures the awe and reverence that comes with recognizing God's supremacy and authority over all things. Your words invite readers to reflect on the grandeur and power of God and to respond in worship and adoration.

Worship as a Response: You emphasize that worship is not merely a routine or a duty but a heartfelt response to God's greatness. It is a natural outpouring of love, gratitude, and reverence for who God is and what He has done. By exploring the themes of bowing down and kneeling before God, you convey the humility and surrender that accompany true worship.

Applying Scripture to Worship: Your post provides practical insights on how to incorporate the message of Psalm 97:7 into worship services. It encourages congregations to engage in physical expressions of worship, such as kneeling, lifting hands, or bowing down, as a tangible way to express reverence and surrender. This guidance can help individuals deepen their worship experience and connect with God in a more meaningful way.

Encouragement and Invitation: Your post concludes with an invitation to respond to God's call and to enter into worship with a renewed perspective. It serves as a reminder that worship is not confined to a specific place or time but is a continuous act of devotion in all areas of life. Your words inspire readers to embrace worship as a lifestyle and to seek God's presence wholeheartedly.

I appreciate the thoughtful and reflective approach you take in connecting scripture with worship. The inclusion of relevant passages and personal reflections allows readers to engage with the text and apply it to their own worship experiences.

Thank you for sharing this meaningful blog post on Psalm 97:7 and worship. I hope my feedback has provided additional appreciation for the content you shared. If you have any further articles or topics you'd like to discuss, please feel free to share them.

Reply
Dave Hinson link
5/25/2023 06:17:47 pm

I wanted to express my gratitude for your inspiring blog post on the call to worship found in Psalm 97:7. It is refreshing to come across such a heartfelt reflection on the power and significance of worship in our lives.

Your article beautifully captures the essence of worship as a response to the majesty and glory of God. It highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence and His reign over all creation. The call to worship expressed in Psalm 97:7 serves as a reminder of the privilege we have to approach God in reverence and adoration.

I appreciate how you explore the transformative impact of worship on our hearts and minds. As we encounter God's holiness and righteousness, our perspectives shift, and our priorities realign. Worship becomes a means of surrendering our own agendas and aligning ourselves with God's will. Your reflections on the power of worship to transform our lives resonate deeply.

Furthermore, your emphasis on the importance of corporate worship is noteworthy. Gathering together as a community of believers to worship God strengthens our bonds, encourages our faith, and allows us to experience the presence of God in a unique way. Your encouragement to actively participate in congregational worship and engage with the elements of worship, such as singing, prayer, and hearing the Word, is a valuable reminder of the communal aspect of our faith.

One aspect that could have further enriched the article is providing practical suggestions or insights on how to cultivate a heart of worship in our daily lives. Exploring ways to incorporate worship into our routines, such as through prayer, meditation, reading Scripture, or expressing gratitude, would have been a valuable addition. This would have empowered readers to apply the principles of worship beyond the church walls and experience the transformative power of worship in their personal lives.

In conclusion, your blog post on the call to worship in Psalm 97:7 is a profound reminder of the significance of worship in our relationship with God. Your reflections on the transformative power of worship and the importance of corporate worship serve as an encouragement for believers to engage in worship with wholehearted devotion.

Thank you for sharing this inspiring piece.

Reply
Jacoby Johnson link
5/30/2023 05:37:27 am

I would like to express my gratitude for the thoughtful blog post titled "A Call to Worship: Psalm 97" that you have shared on your website. The reflection on Psalm 97 and its significance in guiding our worship is both insightful and inspiring.

Your blog post begins by drawing attention to the beauty and power of Psalm 97, which exalts the sovereignty of God and His righteous reign over all creation. The way you delve into the themes of worship, awe, and joy in response to God's majesty provides a meaningful perspective for readers.

I appreciate how you connect the timeless message of Psalm 97 to our modern lives and the importance of worshiping God with reverence and joy. The reminder to approach worship with a heart of gratitude, awe, and surrender is both relevant and uplifting, inviting readers to reflect on their own worship experiences and deepen their connection with God.

Furthermore, the inclusion of specific verses from Psalm 97 and your interpretation of their meaning adds depth to the reflection. By breaking down the text and providing insights into the phrases, such as "The Lord reigns," "Let the earth rejoice," and "Light is sown for the righteous," you offer a comprehensive understanding of the psalm's impact on our worship.

Your blog post also encourages readers to respond to God's sovereignty by living lives that align with His righteousness. The call to pursue justice, reject idolatry, and find joy in God's presence resonates with the transformative power of worship, motivating readers to seek a deeper relationship with God and reflect His character in their daily lives.

In conclusion, your blog post on Psalm 97 serves as a powerful call to worship, reminding readers of God's sovereignty, goodness, and the transformative nature of worship. Your insights, reflections, and practical application of the psalm's message create a meaningful connection between Scripture and our contemporary worship experiences.

Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking and inspiring content on your website. Your dedication to providing spiritual guidance and nurturing a deeper worship life is evident, and it is greatly appreciated.

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