By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
GOD REVEALED
Psalm 19:1–14
Our psalm this week addresses God’s revelation of Himself. First He reveals Himself through the order, design and magnificence of creation, otherwise known as general revelation. The apostle Paul concurs with the psalmist that all humanity experiences the work of God in creation so that we are without excuse. The next section of the song focuses upon God’s special revelation, which He revealed through Moses and the prophets. Finally David points out that covenant believers, including himself, are accountable to respond to God’s revelation.
Seen in Creation (1–6)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The heavens declare His glory. That message has gone out to all the earth. Here the psalmist is not suggesting that the sun, moon, stars and planets communicate verbally. Instead his point is that God’s glory is revealed through His creation throughout the world.
This is precisely the point Paul makes in Romans 1. In fact, it is possible this former Pharisee had Psalm 19 in mind while writing this section of his letter to the church at Rome: “What can be known about God is evident among them because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude” (Rom. 1:19–21a).
Seen in His Word (7–11)
The instruction, testimony, precepts, command, fear and ordinances of the Lord — these are terms used to characterize God’s special revelation through the prophets. This section of the psalm is like a primer to the Great Acrostic (Ps. 119), which highlights the special revelation of God through 22 alphabetic sections and 176 verses. His instructions guide us. His testimony reminds us of His faithfulness. His precepts enable us. His command commissions us. Reverent fear of Him leads us to worship Him. His ordinances direct us to obedience.
David describes God’s Word as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure and reliable. In his closing remarks within the letter to the church at Philippi, Paul instructed them: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true … honorable … just … pure … lovely … commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). What could be better than to meditate on the Word of God?
Celebrated in His People (12–14)
God’s Word is worth more than gold. Material wealth is temporal. Fire, tornado or hurricane can destroy a beautiful home in moments. A collision can total an expensive car in an instant. A carefully invested portfolio can lose inestimable financial value with one bad day on the stock market. The Bible never loses its value. Through His Word, God teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us, trains us and equips us, in order to conform us into the image of Christ.
God’s Word is sweeter and more satisfying than honey in the comb. When we fail to recognize this within the church, we suffer spiritual drought and famine. May our pastors, deacons, Bible study teachers and church members find joy in hearing, reading, studying, living and sharing the message with a world in desperate need of the gospel.
God’s Word informs us that we will give account for our individual words, actions, attitudes and the thoughts we entertain. May God shape us through His Word.
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