Our living God Pt 12: We are his pasture

Psalm 95:1-7                          1Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  2Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  3For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.  4In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  5The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  6Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice….

Sing for joy and shout aloud

Life is hard these days and seems to be getting harder and sometimes we need a reminder that we are not alone in the struggle.  This psalm does that as it opens with a powerful invitation to worship, urging believers to "sing for joy to the Lord" and "shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation".  This opening verse sets a tone of exuberant praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of vocal expression in worship.  The psalmist encourages the people of God to come before the Lord with music and song, highlighting the celebratory nature of worship.

The phrase "sing for joy" conveys an uninhibited expression of gratitude and reverence.  It suggests that worship is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt outpouring of love and devotion toward God.  Similarly, "shout aloud" implies a bold declaration of faith, reflecting an acknowledgment of God's greatness and an enthusiastic response to His salvation.  The act of singing and shouting in worship creates a communal experience that unites believers in adoration and praise.

The psalmist refers to God as "the Rock of our salvation," an image that evokes stability, protection, and deliverance.  In biblical times, rocks often symbolized refuge and strength, and here, the metaphor underscores God’s unchanging nature and His role as Savior.  This reinforces the idea that worship is both a response to God’s past acts of salvation and an affirmation of trust in His ongoing care.

The passage further underscores the reasons for joyous worship. "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods".  This declaration acknowledges God's supreme authority and sovereignty.  By exalting God above all other gods, the psalmist not only affirms monotheism but also calls believers to recognize that no earthly power can compare to the majesty of the Creator.

The next verses elaborate on God's dominion over creation: "In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land".  These verses present a poetic portrayal of God's authority over the natural world, reinforcing the notion that all of creation belongs to Him.  Worship, therefore, is a natural response to acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of existence.

Let us bow down and kneel

After the call to joyful singing and shouting, we find a posture of humility and reverence: "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker".  This verse introduces an essential aspect of worship—humble submission before God.  The physical acts of bowing and kneeling signify deep reverence and surrender, acknowledging God’s supreme authority over human lives.

Bowing and kneeling in biblical contexts often represented acts of homage, supplication, and repentance.  By instructing believers to take these postures, the psalmist emphasizes that worship is not solely about exuberant praise but also about recognizing one's dependence on God.  This transition from joyful proclamation to humble adoration reflects a expanded approach to worship—one that balances praise with deep reverence.

The phrase "the Lord our Maker" further reinforces the idea of dependence.  As the Creator, God is the source of all life, and humanity is called to submit to Him in recognition of this truth.  The act of kneeling symbolizes an acknowledgment of God's rightful place as Lord and Master, as well as an acceptance of His guidance and authority.

This call to bow down and kneel also reflects a heart posture of repentance and obedience.  In worship, believers are invited not only to rejoice in God's greatness but also to submit to His will.  True worship involves yielding to God's commands and aligning one's life with His divine purposes.  This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder that worship is both an act of adoration and a commitment to obedience.

We are the people of his pasture

The final section of Psalm 95:1-7 focuses on the intimate relationship between God and His people: "For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care". This pastoral imagery portrays God as a loving and attentive shepherd who cares for His flock.  It is a powerful metaphor that underscores God's guidance, provision, and protection.

In the ancient Near East, shepherding was a common occupation, and shepherds were known for their dedication to their sheep.  They provided food, water, and shelter while also protecting their flocks from danger.  By likening God's people to a flock under His care, the psalmist highlights the nurturing and protective nature of God.  This imagery echoes other biblical passages, such as Psalm 23, where God is depicted as the Good Shepherd who leads His people to green pastures and still waters.

Being "the people of his pasture" implies belonging and security.  God's people are not left to fend for themselves; they are under His watchful eye and constant provision.  This truth brings comfort and reassurance, reminding believers that they are never alone but are always under God's loving guidance.

But there also is a solemn warning: "Today, if only you would hear his voice".  This exhortation shifts the tone of the passage, urging believers to respond to God’s voice with obedience.  It serves as a call to attentiveness and responsiveness, reinforcing the idea that worship is not merely about singing or kneeling but about actively listening to and following God's will.  The psalmist cautions against hardened hearts and unfaithfulness.  The message is clear: those who hear God's voice must respond with trust and obedience to remain under His care and blessing.

What about me?

I’m a member of a small church of about 50 people, both kids and adults.  I’ve noticed that the kids, particularly the teenagers, don’t sing during worship and I assume they are embarrassed, or worry what others will think.  I have similar difficulties (can’t stay in key), but I don’t care anymore; I just want to worship God and give him glory in everything I do. 

This passage serves as both an encouragement and a warning, reminding believers that worship is not merely a ritual but a way of life.  It calls for both celebration and surrender, ensuring that one's relationship with God remains vibrant and rooted in faith. So, I ask you believer to read and meditate on Psalm 95:1-7.  Approach God with hearts full of joy, reverence, and a willingness to follow His leading.

I encourage you to worship God with every ounce of your heart, mind, and soul.  He deserves it.