"The Lord Reigns"

[Psalm 93]

Our God created and rules over all of nature (Psalm 8:1, 3, 6). In other words, our God not only created humanity but also governs over it, and He has sovereignty over the life and death of every person (verses 3, 6). Our God is not only the creator of the universe, but He also governs and operates it, carrying forward history (Psalm 121:1-6), that is, He is the God who reigns over all creation (Psalm 103:19).

So, what should we do as believers, who trust in God's sovereign choice and rule, when we experience painful situations in our lives? Reflecting on the words of Romans 8:28, we should be confident that if everything is carried out according to God's sovereign choice and rule, in the end, everything will work together for good, and we should not be disturbed. As those chosen and saved by God, living under His rule, how should we maintain our relationship with God? Reflecting on Psalm 23:1-6, we see that we must maintain a relationship like that of a shepherd and sheep. If the sheep follow and obey the shepherd, he will lead them to green pastures and still waters. The path of following the good shepherd must continue throughout our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Therefore, we are bound to obey the words of Psalm 103:22: "Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!"

Today, in Psalm 93:1, the Word of God says: "The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength; surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved." Based on this verse, I want to meditate on the three aspects of God's reign under the title "The Lord Reigns" and receive the grace He gives.

The first aspect of God's reign is "God’s Authority."

Let's look at the first part of Psalm 93:1: "The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty..." The "authority" that God has clothed Himself with refers to His glory and dignity as the ruler of the universe (Park Yun-seon). Our responsibility is to submit to this authority of God. In other words, our duty is to obey God's authoritative Word. We should not question God's authority because His authority is absolute. Those who submit to God's absolute authority, as His children, have the responsibility to listen to and obey His authoritative Word.

How can we manifest God’s authority? For example, in the home, as the head of the household, to manifest God's authority, we must submit and obey God's authoritative Word. In the church, as a pastor, to manifest God’s authority, I must first obey His Word, and only then can God's authority be established. However, if I disobey God's Word and only preach it without making an effort to live by it, I am not manifesting God's authority but misusing it and becoming an authoritarian pastor. Similarly, if in the home, I do not obey God's authoritative Word and only speak about it without living by it, I will become an authoritarian husband and father.

For us as Christians, the children of God, to manifest God's authority in this world, we must live a life of obedience to His authoritative Word. Specifically, through the practice of the two commandments of Jesus—loving God and loving our neighbor—God's authority should be reflected in our lives.

The second aspect of God's reign is "God's power."

Let us look at the latter half of Psalm 93:1 and verse 4:
"...The Lord has clothed Himself with strength, and the world is firmly established; it cannot be moved,"
"The Lord's power is greater than the roar of many waters, greater than the mighty waves of the sea."
Here, "power" refers to the "natural or supernatural might used to sustain the world He created" (Park Yun-seon). This power of God is often referred to as 'God's omnipotence'. This attribute of God refers to the infinite power He possesses to accomplish anything He wills.

For example, we can see God's omnipotence in nature. That is, God's creative power in creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 11:3), and His power to sustain the creation (Colossians 1:17). We can also see God's omnipotence in the spiritual realm. That is, God's omnipotence not only controls His holy angels (Daniel 4:35) but also governs Satan and evil spirits (Job 1:12).

Thus, the psalmist says, "The Lord's power is greater than the roar of many waters, greater than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:4).
How can this power of God be manifested in our lives? The answer can be found in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
God's power is made manifest through our weaknesses. Therefore, we should boast of our weaknesses just as the Apostle Paul did. God chooses weak things like you and me to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). When God's power is revealed through our weakness, we will stand firm and not be shaken. The psalmist says, "The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved" because of God's power (Psalm 93:1). When God reigns with His power, the world remains firm and unmoved. If God reigns over us, we too will stand firm and not be shaken (verses 1-2). If God governs our families and our churches with His power, our families and churches will also stand firm and not be shaken.

The third aspect of God's reign is "God's holiness."

Let’s look at Psalm 93:5: “Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever.” God governs the entire universe with His authority and power. Furthermore, He governs the world with His justice, thus revealing His holiness. God the Father is holy. His authority is holy authority. His power is holy power. Ultimately, the Triune God reveals His holiness through His authority and power. How can we manifest God’s holiness? The answer is found in 1 Peter 1:16: “Because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" We can manifest God’s holiness by living a holy life in this unholy world. Therefore, we must seek God’s holiness. To pursue His holiness, we must be faithful in our prayer and study of the Word, yearning more and more for the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and we must diligently obey the truth of the Word, which is our responsibility.

There is a hymn in American gospel music titled “Ruler Over My Soul.” As I meditated on today’s message, this hymn came to mind. I made it my prayer topic and sang it to God. I pray that God will rule over my soul. I pray that the Lord will rule over my home. And I pray that the Lord will rule over our Victory Presbyterian Church. Therefore, I pray that God’s authority, power, and holiness will be revealed.

A creature under the rule of the Creator,

Pastor James

(Sharing with a heart that praises the hymn #40 “How Great Thou Art”).