Read Psalm 145:1-9. 1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 7They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
This is a great psalm to reflect on at Christmastime. Could David have any idea that one generation commending the works of God to the next would still be happening three thousand years later? I’m sure David hoped that the works of God which he knew of would still be commended to us in psalms like these for generations to come. And yes, God’s awesome deeds and greatness, his abundant goodness and righteousness are still being told by David to this generation through these songs.
What David might not have foreseen is just how wondrous the works of God would become – the incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension of the divine King, Jesus. God has given the future generations even more greatness to declare. Jesus in a manger, born to set us free, is a far greater work than parting the Red Sea. Jesus on the cross dying to let us live is a glory far beyond the glorious splendor of Mount Sinai. Jesus rising to eternal enthronement is a majesty that will always exceed the majesty of David’s throne. Christ in us, the life of God pulsing through our hearts, is goodness, mercy, and love beyond anything David could have ever imagined, and we could ever dream.
To live is Christ is the wonder, majesty, goodness, and love of God for all. All who call on his name will experience life far beyond what David could imagine for the next generation.
You: Would you say that your life is glorious?Why or why not?
You in Christ: Is your union with Christ the greatest glory in your life?
Christ in you: How can you declare the glory of God to the next generation?
Pray: Father, though I am far removed from David, I am close to you. Keep me ever closer as I contemplate the wondrous work of Christ’s incarnation and the death that it resulted in for me. Amen.
To Live is Christ 