Psalm 33
pt 3
Moving on from the worthiness of the Lord to be worshiped as Creator, David considered the contrast between Him and His detractors, those who choose to worship something other than Him.
This is always a good principle to remember because everyone who has a purpose to do good will have those who oppose him. Who are they? What is their character? Do they have a track record of well-doing?
Consider the words of Matthew Henry. “IV. The satisfaction he had of God’s sovereignty and dominion, v. 10, 11. He over-rules all the counsels of men, and makes them, contrary to their intention, serviceable to his counsels. Come and see with an eye of faith God in the throne,
- Frustrating the devices of his enemies: He bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, so that what
they imagine against him and his kingdom proves a vain thing (Ps 2:1); the counsel of Ahithophel is
turned into foolishness; Haman’s plot is baffled. Though the design be laid ever so deep, and the hopes raised upon it ever so high, yet, if God says it shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass; it is all to no
purpose. - Fulfilling his own decrees: The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever. It is immutable in itself, for he is in one mind, and who can turn him? The execution of it may be opposed, but cannot in the least be
obstructed by any created power. Through all the revolutions of time God never changed his measures, but in every event, even that which to us is most surprising, the eternal counsel of God is fulfilled, nor
can any thing prevent its being accomplished in its time. With what pleasure to ourselves may we in singing this give praise to God! How easy may this thought make us at all times, that God governs the
world, that he did it in infinite wisdom before we were born, and will do it when we are silent in the dust!” (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic
Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
One of the great encouragements to worship the Lord is that there is no viable alternative to Him. That does not mean that we hold to Him because there is nothing else, but it really is true. That being said, there is truly none like Him. Not only is He the Only One, but He is the Best One were there a million choices.
Ex 15:9-13
9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
What would the heathen offer as a contrast and comparison to the mighty record of the Great God of Israel?
11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
This is an interesting way to describe the Revelation that God has given to His people, the Bible which contains everything the Everlasting Deity thought appropriate and necessary for His people to believe, to know and to practice. Not only has He given it but He has sent His Own Holy Spirit to aid in the understanding of it if a man will but contemplate His Words and lift up his heart in prayer and faith asking for assistance in understanding it.
James 1:5-6
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Every heart can rest assured that this Word which God has given, these writings that He has preserved across the centuries, many times by the blood of His martyrs, will abide and the principles contained therein shall never perish.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
And, when has God failed to keep and preserve any people who have truly recognized Him in His Magnificence, worshiped Him in His Truth and obeyed His Laws?
These are the very ones He has promised to keep, protect, sustain and bless.
Rev 2:17
…..To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.