Speaking the Truth in Love
Following God's Order
1 Chronicles 16:7-36: This psalm occurs after David has tried to move the Ark of the Covenant using carts, which was not authorized by the Law. These events are recorded in 1 Chronicles chapter 13. Uzza put his hand out to hold the ark when one of the oxen stumbled (1 Chronicles 13:9). This angered the Lord so that Uzza died before the Lord (1 Chronicles 13:10). David then was angry and became afraid (1 Chronicles 13:11-12). David then prepares a place for the ark of God (1 Chronicles 15:1). He assembles all the Israelites and makes sure all know that the Levites are the only ones allowed to carry the ark. Then he calls for all to follow the proper order (1 Chronicles 15:11-15). Proper sanctification and plans for offerings and celebration were put in order. The ark is finally brought to Jerusalem. On that day David delivers the following psalm from1 Chronicles 16:7-36.
1 Chronicles 16:7-36 (NKJ): 7 On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the Lord: 8 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 10 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, 13 O seed of Israel His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones! 14 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. 15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, 16 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, 17 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,” 19 When you were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it. 20 When they went from one nation to another, And from one kingdom to another people, 21 He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, 22 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”£ 23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place. 28 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Give to the Lord glory and strength. 29 Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! 30 Tremble before Him, all the earth. The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” 32 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it. 33 Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord, For He is coming to judge the earth.£ 34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.£ 35 And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy name, To triumph in Your praise.” 36 Blessed be the Lord God ofIsrael From everlasting to everlasting!£ And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.
New Testament Examples
- How to keep the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
- How to become a Christian (Acts 8:34-40)
Lessons For Us
- We must always follow God’s order
- When we do not follow God’s order, God will not be pleased
- When we fall, if we humble ourselves to God, we will be able to get back on track
- We can always find God’s order in His Word
- When we follow God’s order, we will be blessed
- There is great joy in following God’s proper order
How about you? Are you following God’s order? Are you a Christian? Matthew 7:21-24shows that those who hear and do will be blessed. How about you? We hope to see you next time on “Speaking The Truth In Love”!
