A hymn of universal praise
Praise the LORD from the earth,
sea monsters and all ocean depths;
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
strong winds that obey his command. (verses 7,8)
Read Psalm 148
We know that the angels of heaven praise God, constantly. We know that human beings praise God, less constantly. The psalmist now calls on all creation to praise him, from the highest flying birds to the deepest swimming sea creatures.
We have given creation little reason to sing praises. As Paul writes in Romans 8, ‘We know that up to the present time all creation groans with pain’ (verse 22) because of the effect of the human fall into sin. But, just as there is new life for us because of the work of Jesus, there will also be a ‘new heaven and a new earth’ (Revelation 21). For, as Paul says, ‘there was the hope that creation itself would one day be set free from slavery’ and be part of Jesus’ saving work.
So the universe is summoned to praise God. Creation is called to join human beings – from the least to the greatest – in praising the creator and redeemer of the universe. Even the voices of every human being from all time, raised in praise, are not great enough to do justice to God’s majesty. So all the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all creatures in all places are called to a swelling hymn of praise.
One day we will be part of that praise, for all eternity.
Lord God, almighty creator of the universe, I praise you for who you are and all that you have done. Amen.
by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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