Psalms 99
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The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.
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Commentary
We don’t trust authority. It’s in our DNA. “Never trust anyone over 30,” unjust wars, heavy-handed law enforcement, irrelevant and out-of-touch institutions. From grievances against King George to a general distrust of Washington. Unpleasant father figures, dictating our future, ruining our lives.
So how do we relate to king images of God? We’ve moved past “Give us a king to lead us.” They don’t resonate with us as in the days of King David.
Honestly, though, maybe we really could benefit from a good leader who could be trusted. We know injustice and oppression. We’re not in control as we flatter ourselves to be. We have failings, disappointments, dashed hopes.
Reconsidering, what would it take for us to accept a “king” figure with trust and loyalty? Maybe one who is good? Who truly holds our best interest, really understands us, loves us more than himself? Who deals in truth, with no hint of corruption? Maybe we could go with such a leader, even follow Him with passion and commitment.
Are we ready to turn over a new leaf? To go all in with God? To see Him as holy (in the best sense of the word), and praise His awesome name? It’s time for a hero, and we have one!
Art Kharns
Director of Music, Simi Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, California
