Back to the future
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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Honour the Lord, you heavenly beings; honour the Lord for his glory and strength. Honour the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness (Psalm 29:1,2).
Read Psalm 29
Have you ever looked back on the story of your life and sensed that God was at work? Looking back now on those pivotal moments or difficulties that seem so insurmountable at the time, and now they are signposts that the Sovereign Lord has been steering your destiny?
Our last psalm for this first week of the Epiphany season is Psalm 29 – an enthronement psalm celebrating God’s sovereignty over the world: ‘The Lord reigns as king forever’ (Psalm 29:10b). It is a powerful hymn of praise to God, emphasising his supreme majesty and sovereign power over all creation. But as we read it with the Epiphany season in mind, we suddenly see a glimpse of God’s greater plan at work.
Twice in this psalm, we are reminded of things that happen centuries later in Jesus’ life and ministry. Firstly, we hear of these of the ‘heavenly beings giving honour to God’ in verse one and remember the Nativity with the angelic hosts singing the Great Gloria at Jesus’ birth: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14).
Then, we hear the voice of the Lord, commanding all of creation (seven times, indicating perfection). We are reminded of the events of Jesus’ baptism (which we celebrate tomorrow), where we hear the commanding voice of the Lord from the heavens in Luke 3:22b, declaring: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’
God was at work in the life of the psalmist. God was at work preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. And God is at work in your life, too – even if, at times, it feels like a chaotic torrent of painful events pulling you under. Remember the last words of this psalm:
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as king forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace!
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your great power and majesty. You rule over all creation, and your voice is mighty in judgement and mercy. Help us to trust in your sovereign care and find comfort in your eternal kingship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a musician and Lutheran pastor who retired early due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain (documented by Lutheran Media on its Messages of hope YouTube channel and radio program). As his condition allows, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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