Conversations With Both God And Man

Words are one of the most important ways we can communicate with other people. Conversations build relationships, answer questions, share information, and contain encouragement. In our words is the power of life and death, as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:21.

These same conversations, when we have them with God through prayer, move to a whole other level. A relationship with God brings salvation. Questions are answered by the only One who knows all the answers. We are continually learning and continually receiving encouragement from the Lord Himself.

This is why Psalm 99 is so fascinating. The writer goes back and forth between instructing the people and praising the Lord. He speaks to the Israelites, then turns to speak one-on-one with God. Then he turns again and speaks to the people.  

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

In the first two verses, the psalmist reminds the people of how great and mighty our Creator is. Even the earth is moved by the power of the God of Israel.

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

Then he turns to face God and praises Him for just the holiness of His name. He points out specific parts of His character that prove HIs greatness.

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

Because the Israelites are listening in on the conversations, the psalmist turns back to them and tells them the stories of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, how they stirred up their ancestors to praise God. He was blessing the people at the time the Psalms were written just as He did in days gone by. What better reason to give God all the glory, honor, and praise?

Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

The three previous verses moved in the writer's heart and turned him back to speak with the Lord. He knew God was listening to the story, too, remembering how they had worshipped Him and served Him with their whole hearts. The forgiveness He gave them was complete and perfect.

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
Psalm 99:1-9

And one final, parting thought for the people: the sole purpose of our lives on earth is to lift up the name of the Lord and worship Him. His holiness and His character lead us to serve Him all our days. The psalmist put those words on paper so that thousands of years later, we could have the same conversations.

What conversations will you have today, and how can you speak to both God and man in ways that glorify the Lord?

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