Psalm 99 - Holy is He

1 The LORD reigneth; let the peoples tremble:
He sitteth upon the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
2 The LORD is great in Zion;
And he is high above all the peoples.
3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name:
Holy is he.
4 The king's strength also loveth judgement;
Thou dost establish equity,
Thou executest judgement and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt ye the LORD our God,
And worship at his footstool:
Holy is he.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
And Samuel among them that call on his name;
They called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7 He spake unto them in the pillar of cloud:
They kept his testimonies, and the statute that he gave them.
8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God:
Thou wast a God that forgavest them,
Though thou tookest vengeance of their doings.
9 Exalt ye the LORD our God,
And worship at his holy hill;
For the LORD our God is holy.

This psalm feels like a vow or a lesson of learning for a young ruler or king. In simple terms, the ruler perceives that he himself is beneath the great ruler, God. Thus, all his strength and ability is derived from above, not below. God's rules and laws, then, are sacred and to be revered. Priests and prophets all followed God's rule - so, too, must this new ruler.

Whether my image of a young ruler is accurate or not, the lesson is one which we will be blessed to consider. Are you the head of a family? A job? A team? Are you one with influence or authority? Do you recognize the one who reigns above you?

To remember our place, in a world of distractions and vanity, is no easy feat. Humility does not come easily and must be nurtured in our hearts and practices. The Lord's reign places his words and laws above our own wants and desires. Let us, therefore, rule our hearts with submission and proclaim the Lord's sovereignty to those around us.