Acknowledge God's Nature, Promises and Acts - Part 1: The Glorious and Exalted God

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 16, 2023 | Nehemiah 9:5-6

KEY VERSE:

“….Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. Nehemiah 9:5 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The prayer in Nehemiah 9, which spans from verse 6 to verse 37, is a comprehensive recounting of Israel’s history and relationship with God. The prayer commences by extolling God as the creator of heaven, earth, and everything within them. It acknowledges God’s covenant with Abraham and His promise to give the land to his descendants. In today’s passage, we are reminded of the majesty and glory of God. His name is lifted high beyond all blessings and praise. This profound truth should shape our perspective on everything. God's greatness exceeds all that we know and experience. Every blessing we have, every praise we utter, dims in comparison to His infinite glory. It is a call to acknowledge that no matter how great our achievements or blessings are, they are but a tiny glimpse of His immeasurable greatness.

Understanding this truth brings a sense of awe and reverence. It instils humility in us and redirects our focus from the ordinary to the eternal. When we praise God, we are not just uttering words, but we are participating in something that is happening continually in the heavens. In our worship, we unite with the angels to proclaim His glory and majesty. This perspective changes how we approach our daily lives. It is not about seeking our glory or chasing after fleeting pleasures, but about reflecting His glory in all we do. This means that in every situation, whether in joy or trials, our primary goal should be to glorify God. It’s not always easy, especially when we’re faced with challenges. But knowing that God’s name is above all else gives us the strength to endure, to keep our focus on Him, and to live in a way that honours His name. Let’s strive to see every aspect of our lives as an opportunity to exalt His glorious and exalted name.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

How does acknowledging the glorious and exalted nature of God impact your perspective on life's challenges and uncertainties? This study calls us to recognize and worship the glorious and exalted God, whose name is above all names. Allow this awareness of God's greatness to inspire a deeper intimacy in your relationship with Him.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I come to you, acknowledging your glorious and exalted nature. Your name is above all names, and you alone are Lord. Thank you for the majesty of your creation and the assurance of your sovereignty. Fill my heart with reverence and help me praise you for who you are. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. 

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! 

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DAILY word study: STAND UP The Hebrew term used for "stand up" in Nehemiah 9:5 is "קוּם" (qum). This verb, in its root form, conveys the idea of rising, standing, or getting up. Its usage in this context carries a nuanced meaning beyond the physical act of standing. It implies a rising in a spiritual or reverential sense, indicating a deliberate and conscious response to the divine presence. Throughout the Bible, standing is often linked with reverence and attentiveness before God. For instance, in Psalm 24:3-4, "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart." In Nehemiah 9:5, this physical act of standing goes beyond a mere change in posture. It signifies a collective acknowledgement of God's authority and a willingness to submit to His guidance. It's a symbolic response to the awe-inspiring nature of the Almighty. In our spiritual journey, standing up before God is an ongoing process, an act of surrender that acknowledges His lordship over every facet of our lives. Reflections: As we contemplate the phrase "stand up" in our own lives, let's reflect on our posture before God. Are there areas where we need to stand up—acknowledging His authority, seeking His forgiveness, or aligning our lives with His holiness?