436. PSA 95:3. THE ROYAL CHARACTER OF GOD
Psa_95:3. The Royal Character Of God
"A great King above all gods."’97Psa_95:3
The greatness of God is unsearchable. None can fully find him out, or know him to perfection. He is the one infinite, self-existent, and ever-blessed potentate, who hath immortality in himself, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Among the various representations of the divine being, is that wherein he is exhibited as the great ruler of the universe, as the supreme monarch of heaven and earth. Often is he spoken of as king’97"King over all the earth." As "clothed with majesty." As "an everlasting King," whose throne is "in the heavens," and whose "kingdom ruleth over all." As king, the blessed God,
I. Has his Dominions.
These embrace the whole universe. He ruleth over all. He reigns over heaven and earth, and in hell he sways the sceptre of his righteous judgments and holy displeasure Within his dominions, we must include all the material parts of the universe. All existence, whether merely animal, or rational, or angelic. All worlds, and all things, are within the range of his rule and dominion. Or we may view the kingdom of God as com prising, (1) The kingdom of nature, wherein he ruleth over the whole material universe. (2) The kingdom of providence, wherein he superintends and directs all events to the effectual accomplishment of all his holy, wise, and benevolent purposes. (3) The kingdom of his grace, or the administration of his love and mercy to a sinful race, through the mediation of his Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. (4) The kingdom of his glory, where he more fully and immediately diffuses abroad the rays of his divine splendor, and where, among angels and happy spirits, he especially dwells, and where there is "fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore." As king,
II. He has his Throne and Sceptre
The throne of God is in the highest heaven, and Job describes it as being so elevated that its splendor is beyond created vision. "He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it" Job_26:9. It. is described as the "throne of his holiness," Psa_47:8. Daniel beheld Jehovah’s throne in a vision, and likens it to "the fiery flame," and says, "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him," &c., Dan_7:9. See also Ezekiel’s vision, Eze_1:26-27, &c. Now the sceptre of God is a sceptre of righteousness. He reigneth and ruleth in righteousness. In all his administrations "just and right is he." As a king,
III. He has Laws and Statutes.
Now these laws are the established principles for the regulation of all things pertaining to his wide and glorious dominions. He has physical laws for the material works of his hands. And moral laws for the direction of intelligent and responsible beings. These laws are the reflection of his own wise, and righteous, and benevolent mind. They are just and good. Those laws which relate to mankind, are revealed and published in the holy scriptures. Here we have the will of God written under the infallible direction of the Holy Spirit. These laws are clear, impartial, full, and are sanctioned by the most awful penalties and glorious rewards. As a king,
IV. He has his royal Guards and Army.
In Daniel it is written, "He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven." Elisha’s servant, after his eyes were opened, beheld the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about, 2Ki_6:17. The psalmist says, "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels," Psa_68:17. Myriads of exalted creatures vested with power, and swifter than the winds, are ever ready to do his will and execute his pleasure. As king,
V. He has magnificent Palaces and Dwellings.
His presence fills all space. He is everywhere, beholding all things, and upholding all things by the word of his power. But he has his especial dwelling-places. He dwells, (1) In the hearts of his humble saints. He says, I dwell with "him that is of a contrite and humble spirit," &c., Isa_57:15. "I will dwell in them," &c., 2Co_6:16. (2) He dwells in the midst of his church. As he dwelt in ancient times in Zion, and displayed his presence from between the cherubim, so he is in the midst of his spiritual sanctuary, and in the plenitude of his Spirit, he makes the church his holy and delightful habitation. The apostle says, "In whom ye also are builded together, for an habitation of God through the Spirit," Eph_2:22. (3) He has his august and most glorious dwelling on high. He says, "I dwell in the high and holy place." The poet had this passage in view when he sang:’97
"Eternal power whose high abode,
Becomes the grandeur of a God,
Infinite lengths, beyond the bounds,
Where stars revolve their little rounds"
Application
If Jehovah be invested with supreme and universal dominion and majesty, then learn,
1. The reverence and humility which we should exhibit before him.
How we should hallow his name, and fear, when we contemplate his holiness and glory.
2. As king he demands our loyal homage and constant obedience.
His claims are founded on his right to have dominion, and on our duty to yield him our willing and cheerful service.
3. As a king his wrath will be fearful and overwhelming.
His holiness and truth will not allow him to connive at iniquity. All sin is treason against his majesty, rebellion against his government. Let disobedient sinners forsake their evil ways and live. He will freely exercise mercy towards those who repent, and come to him through the mediation of his beloved Son.
4. How happy are his loyal subjects.
He enriches, dignifies, and makes supremely happy those who trust in him and love him. "Happy art thou, O Israel," &c. "Let the children of Zion be joyful," &c.
5. His incorrigible foes he will cast down into the abodes of darkness and misery forever and ever.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS