In Psalm 149, I hear the psalmist asking me to sing a new song to the Lord. A new song of praise is needed, because this one should ring out like a battle cry. We are not offering ordinary praise for an ordinary god. This is me singing at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down, dancing like a maniac, shouting praise and glory to the King of kings! This is me, singing for joy on my bed!
On my bed? Really? My wife often tells me that it is too early in the morning to be excited. We should not be loud late in the evening, it is time for sleep. The psalmist is challenging me to do something that is not normal: refuse to be quiet at a time when I am expected to be quiet.
As I pray through this psalm, I realize this is not a call to greater volume. This is not a call for more energy. The call is not for praise at a unique time. This is a call to realize that we are in the middle of a battle. This is a call to fearful praise for our conquering King. This is a call to proclaim Jesus in the everyday because the King of heaven and earth is alive! He will not be defeated! And he is coming back for His children!
Unfortunately, I do not easily bring this type of praise to our King. It gets hard to praise this King when we are surrounded by death, loss, pain, and brokenness. Honestly, a king seems like an ancient idea in 2017. I find difficulty in remembering that Jesus has defeated death and evil as we are surrounded by sin in the world.
But Psalm 149 reminds us that this King is not like any other king, authority, or power in this world. This King takes pleasure in His people (v. 4). He calls us His children (v. 2). He promises to save us in all of His glory (v. 4-5). This King actually has the power to execute victory over evil, and deliver salvation for His people (Revelation 22:12-13). The power is a double-edged sword, and the sword comes from the mouth of the King (Psalm 149:6, Revelation 1:16, 19:15-16). As we transition to the Advent season, we can shout praise to our King with confidence in knowing that He is here with us. He loves us and is coming back to finish His victory. Hallelujah, Praise to Jesus Christ our King!
-- Ryan Kernes