Three of Worship's Uniting Capacities
From Psalm 147 – 11 ... Kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor above the earth and the heavens.
"Praise unites us with one another. Here is," reflects Tim Keller in the Songs of Jesus (page 363) quoting Derek Kidner's book Psalms 73-150 (page 488), "the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God."
Keller and Kidner point us to a passage which compactly and gloriously shows the Lord's reputation makes the differences between cultures and countries all but irrelevant by comparison. All nations, the psalmist is certain, foreshadowing the fulfillment revelation promises with a gathering of the faithful from every tribe and tongue, will worship.
Because of this certainty of a common origin of all men and common destination for His worshiping elect, Paul can go on Mars Hill among the Greeks and count on connection. His Gospel has legs. His Gospel translates where advertising slogans or diplomatic intentions hatched by men might not.
Keller and Kidner likewise invite us to rejoice with the eclectic collection of Psalm 147 because the Gospel transcends social class. Inspired Paul is a good enough demographer to note that there aren't many mighty among those the Lord gathers as the Earth reckons power and prestige, but even the rich as a whole are immune from the pull of the Gospel.
Kings and princes, Psalm 147 telescopes, come along with children who haven't wealth to their name. By the grace of God, even though so well positioned in Earthly terms as Moses, second to Pharaoh, are able to determine that the Gospel is yet more precious.
Keller and Kidner treasure a passage which magnifies the Lord's ability to draw together generations otherwise at odds with one another. By its reckoning, old men and children can find equal joy and renewal in the Gospel.
Human marketers must depend on evoking emotions based on common experience, aiming for a small sliver of the overall population. Yet, with Christ, to the marvel of Nicodemus, old men can shed the defensiveness and skepticism which often comes with age, be born again, and worship with supple, grateful hearts.
Equally amazing in Him is the reality that a child without the requisite resume or experience to have influence can join the host of the worshipful. Indeed, as the Holy Spirit can reach into any segment of the culture and draw people to Christ, Paul can write confidently to Timothy, for instance, that believers older in chronology need not despise him because he is young.
Babies from Moses to Samson, children from Samuel to Naaman's faithful servant girl have been used to prepare hearts for the One Who came as a baby and yet today assert authority to all things.
"Praise unites us with one another. Here is," reflects Tim Keller in the Songs of Jesus (page 363) quoting Derek Kidner's book Psalms 73-150 (page 488), "the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God."
Keller and Kidner point us to a passage which compactly and gloriously shows the Lord's reputation makes the differences between cultures and countries all but irrelevant by comparison. All nations, the psalmist is certain, foreshadowing the fulfillment revelation promises with a gathering of the faithful from every tribe and tongue, will worship.
Because of this certainty of a common origin of all men and common destination for His worshiping elect, Paul can go on Mars Hill among the Greeks and count on connection. His Gospel has legs. His Gospel translates where advertising slogans or diplomatic intentions hatched by men might not.
Keller and Kidner likewise invite us to rejoice with the eclectic collection of Psalm 147 because the Gospel transcends social class. Inspired Paul is a good enough demographer to note that there aren't many mighty among those the Lord gathers as the Earth reckons power and prestige, but even the rich as a whole are immune from the pull of the Gospel.
Kings and princes, Psalm 147 telescopes, come along with children who haven't wealth to their name. By the grace of God, even though so well positioned in Earthly terms as Moses, second to Pharaoh, are able to determine that the Gospel is yet more precious.
Keller and Kidner treasure a passage which magnifies the Lord's ability to draw together generations otherwise at odds with one another. By its reckoning, old men and children can find equal joy and renewal in the Gospel.
Human marketers must depend on evoking emotions based on common experience, aiming for a small sliver of the overall population. Yet, with Christ, to the marvel of Nicodemus, old men can shed the defensiveness and skepticism which often comes with age, be born again, and worship with supple, grateful hearts.
Equally amazing in Him is the reality that a child without the requisite resume or experience to have influence can join the host of the worshipful. Indeed, as the Holy Spirit can reach into any segment of the culture and draw people to Christ, Paul can write confidently to Timothy, for instance, that believers older in chronology need not despise him because he is young.
Babies from Moses to Samson, children from Samuel to Naaman's faithful servant girl have been used to prepare hearts for the One Who came as a baby and yet today assert authority to all things.
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