Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 113
113:1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.
113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore.
113:3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised.
113:4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
113:5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
113:6 who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
113:7 He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
113:8 to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
113:9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!
Reflections
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. (Psalm 113:7-8)
When I read Psalm 113 I am reminded of the great psalm writer, David. Psalm 113 is not considered one of David’s psalms but it certainly sounds as though it could have been. David was a poor shepherd boy who God took from the field and lifted him above all of his people. He sat with the princes and ate the finest foods in the land. He was blessed with the finest things in life. But he started as a humble shepherd.
God also lifts us from the ashes. Christ gave His life for us while we were all still dead in our own sins. We have been raised from ashes to new life. The dead bones in the valley that Ezekiel saw have been raised to new life. We are outcasts that have been invited to the great banquet with the Lord. That is why we praise the Lord, as did the psalmist. Let us never forget that it is the Lord who lifts us up, not our own doing.