September 10, 2007

Text: Psalm 135

THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD
"For I know that the LORD is great,
and our LORD is above all gods"    Psalm 135:5

1. Knowledge of the greatness of the Lord

2. Acknowledgment of the greatness of the Lord

FEATURES OF THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD

1. Unrestrained, limitless power
"Whatever the LORD pleases He does,
in heaven and in earth,
in the seas and in all deep places."    Psalm 135:6

a) Whatever God pleases
(No negative connotations)

b) He does (no one can restrain Him)

2. Evidence of His great power in nature
"He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain;
He brings the wind out of His treasuries"    Psalm 135:7

a) Lightning

b) Wind

c) Rain

3. Evidence of His great power with reference to Israel's history

a) With reference to Egypt
"He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt,
Upon Pharaoh and all His servants"    Psalm 135:8-9

    i) Firstborn- both of man and beast

    ii) Signs and wonders

    iii) Pharaoh and all his servants
b) With reference to nations (Canaan)
"He defeated many nations and slew mighty kings-
Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
And all the kingdoms of Canaan-
And gave their land as a heritage,
A heritage to Israel His people"    Psalm 135:10-12

    i) Mighty kings

    ii) Mighty kingdoms

    iii) Canaan as a heritage to Israel

THE GOOD NAME OF GOD
"Your name, O LORD, endures forever,
Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations"    Psalm 135:13

1. Name

2. Fame

3. Forever

4. Synonymous phrase "throughout all generations"

THE FOLLY OF IDOLATRY
(Cf. Psalm 115)

1. The worship of the nations

2. Man-made religiosity

3. Candid observations about idols

a) Silver and gold- the work of man's hands    Psalm 135:15

b) Having a mouth- but unable to utter a word    Psalm 135:16a

c) Having eyes- but unable to use them    Psalm 135:16b

d) Having ears- but unable to hear    Psalm 135:17a

e) "Those who make them are like them"    Psalm 135:18

A CALL TO REJOICE AND TO PRAISE GOD
"Bless the LORD, O house of Israel!
Bless the LORD, O house of Aaron!
Bless the LORD, O house of Levi!
You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the LORD."    Psalm 135:20-21

1. Specific Challenge
To "bless the Lord"

2. Four groups:-

a) Israel (as a nation)

b) The priests (House of Aaron)

c) The Levites (House of Levi)

d) Those who fear the LORD