God's Victory March by Pastor Dave

​“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,  who thunders with mighty voice.”
Psalm 68: 32-33
 
Psalm 68          
 
Observe

• David calls on God to show His power and scatter their enemies that the people may rejoice (1-3)
• God is praised for His majesty and care of the weak and vulnerable (4-6)
• David recalls how God was with His people in the wilderness and how He miraculously provided for them (7-10)
• God’s provision of the Promised land is then described with the defeat of the kings and armies that were present (11-14)
• In this provision God decides to dwell with His people on Mount Zion (15-18)
• David then describes how God will accompany, protect and save in the present as He did in the past (19-23)
• David then describes God’s majestic procession as He enters Jerusalem accompanied by His people (24-27)
• God is called upon to continually manifest His strength and presence so that other nations will pay tribute and recognize His sovereignty (28-31)
• The Psalm concludes in this tone, focusing on God’s supremacy and calling on all nations to submit to Him in worship and praise (32-35)

 
Interpret
     Whilst a long Psalm with challenges and difficult topics this Scripture essentially describes God's victory march. It looks back at the establishment of His Kingdom in the past, at its current position and to the future where all nations will submit to Him. It is a powerful Psalm of praise recognizing God’s definitive sovereignty. The Psalm describes the history of God’s chosen people with His wonderful care and provision. This provision has been majestic and miraculous at times, the definitive miracle and privilege though is God’s presence with His people. Within this praise there is a clear call and responsibility on His people to pray, obey, follow and honour God; to attribute to God the praise and worship that is His due.
     If the people live in this way and honour God they bear witness to His glory and truth. Other nations and peoples will then be enabled to ‘see’ God and submit to Him also in genuine worship.
    This Psalm will have been sung on pilgrimages to Jerusalem and when conveying the ark.
Application
     The Psalm was written before the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. God’s victory march has continued in Christ with death and sin defeated. His Kingdom is now present in this world, in His Church, through Jesus Christ in the reality of His Holy Spirit. The call of the Psalm for His people, the Body of Christ, to pray, honour, obey and give witness to His truth and glory echoes loudly and in reality to us today. We are to bear witness to His victory in Jesus and call all to be ready for His glorious return in final and complete victory when all will bow before Him. God's Victory March is absolutely guaranteed! 
 
The Questions of Application
     Are we walking with God in victory through His grace and our faith in Jesus Christ? Do others know that He lives because of our lives and words? Are we ready for His majestic return?
 
Prayer
     Blessed are you, Lord God of truth and justice; you open our hearts and our mouths to pray and to praise. Guide now our feet in your holy way until your return. May our lives and words bear witness to the truth of your victory, love and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen   
 
Praise
Even so Come by Chris Tomlin