What God Exalts (Psalm 138:2)

Psalm 138:2

I bow down toward your holy temple

and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

            If I were to ask the average believer what God has exalted above all things, what do you think that believer might say? Would it be evangelism? Would it be helping the poor? Would it be unity among Christians? Would it be something else?

            God tells us in Psalm 138 2 what he has exalted above all things. The answer to the question is, “His name and his word.” God says that, above all things in the universe, what is utmost is the name of God and the word of God.

            If it is true that God has exalted these two things above all else, how do we as believers respond? We too should exalt above all things his name and his word. We should be given to lifting high the name of God above all things. This becomes our motive for evangelism, for unity, for care for the poor, and for all we do as believers. If we get it right, we will do what we do for the sake of the honoring and exalting of the name of God. IF anything we do fails to be for the sake of the honoring and exalting of the name of God, it lacks.

            Similarly, we are to exalt above all things God’s word. We value Scripture above every opinion of men because it is exalted above them. We value Scripture above church councils, above human reason, above scientific inquiry, and above all other sources of truth because God has exalted his word above all. We must be committed to learning, rightly interpreting, and rightly proclaiming his word.

            Father, I acknowledge this morning that your name and your word are above all. There is no name greater than yours. There is no person worth more than you. The motivating factor in all right things is for the sake of the honor of your name. I pray that you will help me to honor your name.

            I also acknowledge that your word is above all. My opinions, my understanding, my feelings, and all the opinions, understanding, and feelings of others are secondary to your word. Your word is right and pure. Your word is perfect in every way. May I trust and treasure your word for your glory.