Our God is an Awesome God! He never changes! He is our creator, protector, provider, and our savior! Do YOU Fear God? Let’s dig in…
Psalm 76
For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be accompanied by stringed instruments.
1 God is honored in Judah;
his name is great in Israel.
2 Jerusalem (Salem) is where he lives;
Mount Zion is his home.
3 There he has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy,
the shields and swords and weapons of war. Interlude (Selah – pause and reflect)4 You are glorious and more majestic
than the everlasting mountains (of prey).
5 Our boldest enemies have been plundered.
They lie before us in the sleep of death.
No warrior could lift a hand against us.
6 At the blast of your breath, O God of Jacob,
their horses and chariots lay still.7 No wonder you are greatly feared!
Who can stand before you when your anger explodes?
8 From heaven you sentenced your enemies;
the earth trembled and stood silent before you.
9 You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God,
and to rescue the oppressed of the earth. Interlude
10 Human defiance only enhances your glory,
for you use it as a weapon.11 Make vows to the Lord your God, and keep them.
Psalm 76 NLT
Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One.
12 For he breaks the pride of princes,
and the kings of the earth fear him.
Setting the Scene
Written around the time of the Assyrian invasion of Jerusalem in 722 BC, it’s connected to last week’s Psalm 75. You can find the story of the invasion in 2 Kings 19. Pastor Sandy Adams relays the story…
Outside the walls of Jerusalem, God delivered His people from the sword of the ferocious Assyrians.
After the angel’s slaughter, the Assyrians that were left fled their camp and left piles of supplies and weapons and money. Yet, in Asaph’s estimation, God is more glorious and more excellent than stacks of spoils and “mountains of prey.” I hope you’ve concluded that no amount of blessing can ever compare to the Blessor Himself. The Giver is always “more glorious” than His gifts.
Apparently, God put the Assyrian soldiers into a deep sleep before He executed them. It was an act of mercy in the midst of judgment. It was as if the Angel performed a lethal injection.
Pastor Sandy Adams
What Does it Mean to Fear Our Awesome God?
“Fearing God” or being “God-Fearing” doesn’t mean you’re afraid of God. It means that you…
- Have a healthy respect for God.
- Are in awe of His creation.
- Read, study, and respect the Bible, which is His infallible Word.
- Believe that He is a fair God and that He hates sin.
- Understand that He will come back to judge the world — both the living and the dead.
The folks at Spoken Gospel share more insights…
Even if Jerusalem is under attack, there is no one God’s people need to fear, except God himself (Psalm 76:7-8).
But God does not only intend to protect the current citizens of Jerusalem. God protects all who are afflicted by their enemies (Psalm 76:9). God is angry at oppression and intimidation, not just when it’s directed at Jerusalem, but all neighboring lands and peoples (Psalm 76:10). And any king who dares harm any of God’s creations should fear what will happen to him. God is the protector of the entire earth, and those in power have only two options. Either they bring gifts and pledge their fealty [loyalty] to him, or God will topple their kingdoms and liberate those afflicted by their rule (Psalm 76:11-12).
Where is the Gospel?
God’s protection of his people is like the sun. And in the final chapters of the Bible we’re told that all the leaders of the earth will bring tribute to the God who lives in a Jerusalem full of light (Revelation 21:23). It shines so brightly and forcefully that the gates of this New Jerusalem never need to be shut. It’s a symbol of perfect cosmic peace. The gates don’t need to be shut because there are no enemies left to invade (Revelation 19:15). And instead of immobilizing armies, God’s light will draw all kings of the earth to humbly submit before the God who protects the afflicted.
When Jesus was alive he told those who were afflicted that he was the light of the world (John 8:12). That means Jesus is the protector of the earth, and all of us have only two options. Either we are with God and for the afflicted, or we are for our own kingdom regardless of the harm it causes others. We can either join his light or remain in darkness forever.
But anyone willing to follow Jesus never has to walk in darkness (John 8:12). Jesus came to bring peace to enemies, not be a warrior against them (Matthew 10:34). Jesus is the blinding light of God, but he intends to bring all who are willing to follow him into a new era of cosmic peace. So pledge your fealty [loyalty] to Jesus. Bring your life as a gift to him. And watch as God protects you, his former enemy, from all the enemies that might afflict and harm you.
Spoken Gospel
Israel Today
Ever since the Hamas terrorists brutally attacked innocent people in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, more and more secular Israelis have turned back to God. Additionally, there are many Messianic Jews in the IDF (Israeli military) and doors are opening to share the Gospel. Besides that, there is an even greater, growing interest in Bible Prophecy!
I pray that the Muslims — both the extremists and the “innocents” — start fearing the true Creator God. Furthermore, I pray that His Shalom — His perfect peace — is rooted in both Jew and Muslim knowing Yeshua Hamashiach — Jesus Messiah.
Do YOU Fear God?
If you’re not sure if you’re saved or not, if you truly want to be born again and have the assurance of salvation, receive the Holy Spirit, feel His Shalom — a peace that surpasses all understanding, and get a 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven after you die, or that you won’t be left behind at the Rapture, which can happen at any moment, this is what you have to do…
