May 29, 2024 - Psalms 76-80

Asaph declares, “In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.  His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.  There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.   Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey” (76:1-4).  As we travel across Indonesia, we see absolutely gorgeous scenes in the creation:  tropical mountains, volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls, beautiful sunsets, and so much more.  None of this, however, compares to the beauty and the glory of our God who has, especially, made his name and glory known among his people, Israel.  I so often think of Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”  So glorious, the earth cannot fully reveal all the beauty of our God.  As we contemplate our God, we find ourselves amazed.  And even more than the beauty of the creation, we are amazed that he has loved us so.

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

Is my Savior’s love for me!   -- Chas. H. Gabriel (1905)