Reflecting on Psalm 148, Francis of Assisi wrote the “Canticle of the Sun” poem in 1224, that was later paraphrased and set to music. Today, we know it as the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Like Psalm 148, the poem emphasizes heaven and earth praising the Lord.
Did you notice that the expression Praise the Lord bookends this psalm? The psalmist is adamant about lifting up praise to the Lord. He calls on those who dwell in the heavenly places to praise Yahweh because He created them (v. 5), and they continue to exist because of Him (v. 6). Then the psalmist invites the created world to join in. All creatures on land and sea, the spectacle of weather, and all of humanity ought to praise the Lord (vv. 7–12).
The psalmist reminds us that God alone is God, and He is immeasurably greater and more glorious than anything on earth (v. 13). The word horn (v. 14) may seem out of place, but in the original language this word symbolizes someone strong, such as a king. While the psalmist is most likely referring to the king of Israel at the time, we know that ultimately all of heaven and earth ought to praise the Lord because of the King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fast forward all the way to the end of the story. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John paints a stunning picture for us as he recalls his vision of all creation praising Jesus: “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).
Pray with Us
Will you add these Donor Resource Management employees to your prayer list: Patricia Fletcher, Philip Ramos, Ruth Velaer-Wheeler, and Sharon Cluff? May the Lord give them daily encouragement and joy as they serve Him at Moody.
BY Dr. Chris Rappazini
Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.