God’s dominion promises freedom
This week’s theme is “Out of Egypt,” which plays into the overall theme of the mystery of God’s dwelling. In my faith life, there has never been a doubt that of all the places one can find God, the most conveniently located is within our own bodies. Even so, it is not always easy to see the Holy Spirit hiding behind our eyes, wrapped around our tongue, or supporting our hands, and yet it is there.
Psalm 148 exalts not only God’s omnipresence, but the authority of God over things like beasts in the depths, the moon and sun, the stars and the rulers of the earth. “Out of Egypt” is a reference to the enslavement of the Hebrew people before Moses led them to freedom in Exodus.
So with that in mind we can take a look at what enslaves us, whether it is a grudge against one another, or material desires that distract us from wealth of the spirit, or even a growing apathy that comes from a weary soul that has been working too long without rest, we must see and know God’s dominion. God’s dominion that exists over the very stars in the sky. God’s dominion that will last longer than flawed human institutions. God’s dominion which led a people from enslavement and promised them paradise. God’s dominion which holds us now and promises freedom from all that which enslaves us.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
What a glorious perspective from a young man. At 79 it makes me want to be 20 again. But my real take-away is to recognize, feel, hear and obey God “wrapped around my tongue” and so many places in my body. Thanks Ammon for this thoughtful devotion.
Thank you Ammon for reminding us that God’s dominion is the ONLY lasting freedom-this life is so short in view of eternity. Also your comment about having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us is more amazing than I sometimes realize. Thank you for that refreshing reminder.
Indeed what a glorious message in this Psalm and your own understanding and identification, Ammon, is most inspiring and appropriate for this Advent season. Thank you .Wilma Shank