It is Good to Sing Praises Psalm 147

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (1) Praise the LORD – Hallelujah! Singing and praising Him mentioned 3 times in this psalm (1, 7, 12) Praise is good, pleasant and beautiful (proper - NASB, comely - KJV) God takes delight in genuine praise. AND it is good for us as well as it helps remind us of His goodness and what He has accomplished in us

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (2) He builds up Jerusalem, gathers the outcasts of Israel There are many times and ways He built up and defended His city Outcasts – those banished. Could be returning exiles, or perhaps the “remnant, viewed as deplorable by the ungodly

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (2) Outcasts God’s people are often the outcast – rejected by the majority In society – because we do not run with them 1 Peter 4:3-4, John 3:19-21, (1 Corinthians 4:9-10, 13) In the religious world – because we challenge ecumenicalism and state there is an absolute standard

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (2) Outcasts God gathers those who belong to Him 2 Timothy 2:19a, John 10:14 How many congregations today seek conformity rather than peculiarity?

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (3) He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds God has always cared for His people. He knows when we are hurting and discouraged. 1 Peter 5:6-7, do we bring our cares to Him? Luke 4:18 (Isaiah 61:1-2) – this was Jesus

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (4) He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. God know everything and everyone! Psalm 139:7, I cannot hide from You 2 Peter 2:9 – He knows how to deliver us Thus, He knows how to help!

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (5) Great is our Lord and mighty in power. Infinite understanding His ways are beyond our comprehension, Romans 11:33 Sometimes this is what we struggle with, because we cannot comprehend His greatness.

He builds up Jerusalem (1-6) (6) He lifts up the humble and casts the wicked to the ground 1 Peter 5:5

He sustains (7-11) (7) Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving, praises on the harp… This is part of the Old Law BUT also with proper attitude (thanksgiving)

He sustains (7-11) (8-9) He covers the heavens… What He has made was good (Genesis 1:31) Psalm 19:1 cf. Matthew 6:26-30

He sustains (7-11) (10) He takes no delight in the strength of the horse, no pleasure in the legs of a man While God DOES care about His creation greatly, there are matters he cares more about… 1 John 2:15-17

He sustains (7-11) (10) He takes no delight in the strength of the horse, no pleasure in the legs of a man Consider this in contrast with what the world takes delight in The Super bowl The Olympics The Bible and athletics: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Timothy 6:12, w timothy 2:5, 4:7, etc.

He sustains (7-11) (11) The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, those who hope in His mercy. Why? Physical forces submit because they are natural We submit because with freewill Ecclesiastes 12:13, 1 Peter 2:17, Ephesians 2:4 – He is rich in mercy

He protects (12-20) (12) Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem, O Zion The place where God dwells with His people

He protects (12-20) (13-14) He has strengthened the bar of your gates He protects those who belong to Him. Jerusalem of old familiar with need for physical protection

He protects (12-20) (13-14) He has strengthened the bar of your gates A prospering city – not only protected, - But blessed children within, - peace in their borders - filled with the finest wheat Think of spiritual Zion – Hebrews 12:22-23 - Strong – Revelation 3:7 - She will be prospering and growing - The key to peace for all - She is filled with the finest

He protects (12-20) (15-18) He sends out His commands to the earth - By His word, the world is sustained (2 Peter 3:5). IF He can protect His creation, He can protect those who belong to Him

He protects (12-20) (19) He declares His word in Jacob; statutes and judgments to Israel What made Israel special? He chose them and revealed His will to them. They knew EXACTLY how to please Him (Deuteronomy 33:4) We have a law from Him? 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

He protects (12-20) (20) He has not dealt thus with any nation; they have not known their judgments We are His special people (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9) He is often rejected by those who do not have His law. Cf. Matthew 13:11-15 But, consider the law of God is for all mankind. Will we share it?

Are you under the protection of God?