HEAVEN AND EARTH PRAISE THE LORD

Bookending is a technique used in writing and is often used in the Scriptures. Bookending is expressing a single idea at the beginning of a piece and the resolution of that idea at the end of the piece. The resolution should echo the summation of the work and give the reader a sense of closure and no doubt about the idea expressed.

In Psalm 148, the expression Praise the Lord bookends the Psalm. The psalmist is resolute in lifting up praise to the Lord. The Psalm calls on those dwelling in heaven and earth to praise Yahweh because He created both and they both continue to exist because of Him. All of creation is to praise the Lord.

This may sound like a simple conclusion on my part but I am learning the God alone is God. Are we experiencing it and living it though, as opposed to just saying the phrase? That is the difference. Through a closer walk each and every day, it is just hammered into our minds that God is God, and just how wonderful and almighty He is. He is our all. He is greater than anything else we can comprehend. King of kings and Lord of lords is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We say that not so much with a boastful tone but one of eternal joy and wellness.

Now, let’s go to the end of the story in Revelation. John paints this amazing picture for us as he elaborates in his vision of all creation praising Jesus. I have tried to conjure that picture up in my imagination and nothing I can illustrate in my mind does it justice. I just don’t know how I will respond when I see that day….”I can only imagine”

“then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever !” REV. 5: 13

I want to begin to bookend my day with praises to my Lord. When I look at His creation, I am overcome with awe and wonder and joy due to the fact that the creator or ALL of creation, created.. me yes……but also loves me!! Let us enjoy God’s creation each and every moment. Praise Him over and over and give Him the glory for His perfect work. Slow down and notice how all of creation fits together in the puzzle that is His masterpiece. Praise you God for putting it all in place!!!

“I may not be the man I want to be; I may not be the man I ought to be; I may not be the man I could be; I may not be the man I truly can be; but praise God, I'm not the man I once was.” Martin Luther King, Jr.