His Glory Is Great

Today's Readings
2 Chronicles 19-20 | Romans 10:14-11:12 | Psalm 21 | Proverbs 20:4-6
Tomorrow's Readings

O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart's desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your salvation;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
(Psalm 21:1-5)

Psalm 21 answers psalm 20. In psalm 20 the prayer was that the presence of God would impart courage and confidence, and specifically that the listener would find protection from trouble and fulfillment of their heart's desires. Now the same psalmist (Daivd) celebrates the fulfillment of all his desires from the hand of God his provider. I was moved by his statement: 'His glory is great through your salvation.' David is speaking of his own glory as king of Israel, and indeed he was glorious. It may not have been the largest kingdom on earth, but through his leadership they were sovereign and had strength in the midst of their neighbors and enemies. How easy it would have been for David to congratulate himself for his courage and vision; how right he would have been to look with pride over his conquests and the unifying of the people of Israel under his rule.

And yet, even as sovereign king, David had the wisdom and humility to acknowledge that his might and glory came from the hand of God. This was not just a theoretical notion for David: he knew he had been chosen and raised by God from a station in life (yougest son and shepherd of an insignificant family) from which it was highly doubtful he otherwise would ever have emerged. Nor was this meekness merely a memory of a past grace. Though his reign was far from perfect, nevertheless at every point he proved his dependence upon God not only for his kingship, but also for his daily bread.

This encourages me to remember that no matter the heights (and depths) to which my life may ascend, I should remember that it is God, and God alone, who has the power and wisdom to raise me up or set me down. As he has elsewhere said: it is he who gives power to make wealth. And as I cry to him in despair, so also I should exult with him in triumph. For he alone has glory and honor and dominion.

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
(Proverbs 20:6)