Psalm 68:35

Psalm 68:35

An awesome God

The march from Sinai to Zion is complete and it has been an exhilarating journey. We have seen that it was not just a procession of ex-Hebrew slaves that undertook this journey, no, their God went with them, and He displayed His power and His glory on route. The climax of the procession was the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant on Mount Zion where it was placed in the sacred tent, the sanctuary, amid much celebrating, dancing and music. It was a day of great joy and that joy overflows to the final verse of the Psalm. David reflects on the awesome power of the presence of Almighty God and he can scarcely believe that his God, the God of Israel, is dwelling now amongst His people. His very presence gives them power and strength.

This same God comes to dwell with us. We do not need sacred tents or mighty temples or any man-made dwelling. The Lord God of Israel chooses to make our hearts His temple and He comes to dwell with us and in us. This same deity who travelled with the Israelites and who dwelt among them, comes to every individual believer by His Holy Spirit and says, “I am with you, Trust in me.” His power has never diminished. His Word has never changed. His truth and His authority do not mellow or fade with time. His strength is as great as it ever was and His compassion and care for His people does not weaken. All that has changed is the willingness and desire of men and women to trust Him absolutely and to praise and honour Him in the way their ancient forbears were able to do. Everything that David experienced and wrote about is truth and the same God waits upon us. The word Bless” literally means to wait upon. Our God longs to wait upon us. He will give power and strength to His people. Let us open up our sanctuaries and let Him in! Praise be to God!

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