Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever! Psalm 111 (ESV)
Allen P. Ross writes:
The message of this psalm is that Devout worshippers must praise the LORD in the sanctuary for his marvelous and gracious works that bring redemption and blessing to his people. In fact, the purpose of his wonderful works is to inspire greater praise and obedience.
Believers have every good reason to praise the works and the words of the LORD; they are powerful and awesome, because he is mighty and majestic. There are many, many examples of the amazing works of the LORD, but those attached to his work of redemption come to the fore. And if that was true of Israel’s experience in Egypt, how much more for the believer today who has been set free from the bondage of sin and the world, entered into an eternal covenant through Christ Jesus, and has found that the LORD of the covenant through Christ Jesus, and has found that the LORD of the covenant is faithful to his people. The Church accordingly has used this psalm at Easter and Eucharistic services, because the redemption provided by Jesus Christ includes his resurrection from the dead, guaranteeing that the promises of the covenant are sure, and that our redemption is eternal.
MEMORY WORK – Shorter Catechism Q/A 8
Q. 10. How did God create man?
A. God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.