Psalm 117

Today we have the special treat of listening in on some reflections by Rowan Fraser (the speaker at Forest Glade Family Camp back in 2021). He’s been meditating on Psalm 117, and this is what he has to say:

Pslam 117. This three-verse psalm has often been thought of as incomplete. It was thought to be the end of Psalm 116 and was sometimes added to Psalm 118. However, it is complete in that it has a call to praise, a cause for praise and a conclusion.

The psalm begins with “Praise the Lord, all nations” and expands to “Extol (praise enthusiastically, actively, willingly) Him, all peoples”. Not the few in the region or some of this nationality or many of this age, instead all people. It gives a collective, yet individual call to praise and worship the Lord.

It is a beautiful picture where one day, in essence, every knee is bowed and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.

But how do we get there?

I am one of the few people who loathe springtime. Most times when I share my dislike of this season, people react like I’m crazy. But, really, what’s to love?? The muddy terrain, soggy animal refuse, unpredictable weather and gray outlook of spring has bothered me for years. Spring restlessness is something I face each year as an educator with students and staff alike. The only saving grace of spring is Easter… literally! Spring is a season of transition where the ravages of winter are exposed and new life comes from the death of winter.

So, again, how do we get to the beautiful picture of praise?

To call people and nations to praise and extol the Lord, we have to pray for a kingdom of worshippers.

Think of some of the things that compete for our worship:

Online games and quick gratification

Food/Drink

Pleasure

Approval of peer groups

YouTube/TikTok influences

Athletic/Academic/Career success

Some of these, as Paul Tripp often says, are good things that have become bad things because they have become ruling things.

How much more focus should be on the prayer for hearts of this nation that are being bombarded by calls to praise other people and things.

Our goal must extend beyond seeing people saved, it must extend to them being enthusiastic, thoughtful, sincere, joyful and Spirit-empowered worshippers of the King.

We engage in mission work at Beacon, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our workplaces and in our homes, but more is needed. We need to engaged in mission work on our knees for this generation (and the next) to be worshippers of the Living God.

One author says it this way:

“The proper end of missions is not the salvation of souls; the proper end of missions is the glory of God. The end of missions is more and more people who are happy in God”

You may find yourself in the Lighthouse this summer and notice the kids as they worship (or not). You’ll either be encouraged by those who are engaged or discouraged by those with limp arms and mouths barely moving, staring at the images on screen.

Let me encourage you to pray right in that moment. If you see…

joyless singing - pray for joyful worship in their hearts

boredom with lessons or the gospel - pray for excited engagement with the gospel and the Word of God

rebelliousness or disrespect - pray for obedience to the gospel and delight in holiness

selfishness - pray that they would actively seek to be living sacrifices whose worship is good and acceptable

So why is the King worthy of the nations’ worship and praise?

He is worthy of praise because of His steadfast love. It is dependable love that can you bank on. Other translations render this “merciful kindness”.

The key part is the directionality of God’s love. It is toward us; Gentiles, Israel, all peoples, all nations. The door is flung open wide by a transcendent God who in merciful kindness and steadfast love brings salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ and makes those who were not his people, his own. That is a huge reason to praise Him!

Furthermore, we don’t need to fear that the salvation won, the promises made or the relationship extended are going to ever be withdrawn because his faithfulness is true - it endures, it’s forever.

The Psalm ends with “Praise the Lord”, because it’s the only way to end a psalm where we are confronted with God’s global purpose to bring people to worship Him for who He is and what He has done. It is a divine and expected exclamation mark!

Knowing these things causes us to worship for sure – but should also spur us on to pray passionately for others. An author I read on prayer, said this: “All prayer pursued far enough becomes praise”. So pursue prayer for the young ones we teach, sing with and memorize verses with. Pray for these families – that they would become worshippers of the King who is worthy.

Pray that hearts would praise our great, faithful God together, knowing that He will bring about praise for His glory, now, but most certainly in eternity and even in Spring.

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 117, NIV)

Rowan with his wife Joy and their family this spring. Look how much those kids have grown!