Psalm 147 sings God's praise in creation and providence. He fills the night sky with stars and names each one (v. 4). He causes the sun to shine and the clouds to gather; he causes the rain to fall and the grass to grow (v. 8). He feeds the beasts of the fields and the birds of the air (v. 9). He provides the harvest, that we too might have something to eat (v. 14). Spring's rain, summer's sun, autumn's harvest, and winter's snow are all blessings from our Lord's hands (v. 16). He is sovereign over them all.
Lord, all of creation can see the wonders wrought by your mighty hands and the power of your sovereign word. We are thankful for how you sustain our lives through these many blessings. Yet the psalmist's praise goes even further. Beyond your provision through creation, you have made your laws made known to your people, that we might live lives of love, and thereby honor you as the creator of all people, and experience the deep joy you intend for us in this life. The psalmist praises you for this unique privilege (v. 19-20), as you first entrusted your law only to the Jews. Yet from the beginning, from your call upon Abraham's life, we see that your plans were always intended for the whole world. Yes, to bless the Jews first, but only so that your blessings might overflow from them throughout the whole world. Through Jesus, that promise has come to fruition.
As followers of Jesus, we pray, O Lord, that we might be conduits of your blessing. We pray that your blessings won't stop with us, but will overflow from us into the lives of everyone around us. We pray for the same generous spirit as our Lord Jesus Christ, that we might not see our physical possessions as our own, but freely share as we have freely received. We pray for this same generous spirit in terms of our faith. We pray that we will not keep our faith to ourselves, but that we might freely share the gospel, that others too might enjoy your grace and peace, your love and joy, and your life forever. Use us, O Lord, to be your messengers and ambassadors to those around us, we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.
