Have you ever wrestled with the question, what to give someone who seems to have everything? What can you give a parent or grandparent who are mature and affluent enough they don’t have a “wish list”, let along a need you can meet? God answered that dilemma with this commandment, “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Deuteronomy 5:16). To give honor to another requires not only a submissive heart, but also a humble spirit.
What can mere mortals with all our failings and shortcomings give to God our Creator? David answers that question in Psalm 29:1-2 with three exhortations to give.
Psalm 29:1-2 – “Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
This matter of giving is best defined as an act of bringing, ascribing or assigning that, which is rightfully due. The “mighty” who are commanded to give are believed to be the angels of heaven, the sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7), those spirit beings created for the purpose of glorifying and serving God. Realizing the angels have a debt of gratitude to give the LORD, we must ponder how much greater is our obligation to give the Creator all He is due. Psalm 29:1-2 is a call to worship and adoration.
Psalm 29:1 – “Give [bring; ascribe] unto the LORD [Jehovah; Self-Existent, Eternal God], O ye mighty [son; children], give [bring; ascribe] unto the LORD glory [honor] and strength [power; praise; boldness; might].
Not only do the “heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1a), but also those created in His image are to do the same (Genesis 1:26; 2:7). We are to worship the LORD, acknowledging His divine glory, strength and power.
Psalm 29:2 – “Give [bring; ascribe] unto the LORD the glory [honor] due unto his name [character; reputation]; worship [bow; do reverence; prostrate] the LORD in the beauty [honor; glory; splendor] of holiness [hallowed; consecrated; sacredness].”
Psalm 29:2 reminds us that worship and adoration is “due unto His name” (meaning the LORD’s divine character and attributes). Because the LORD is God, we by our worship acknowledge He is our Jehovah, Eternal, and Self-Existent Creator.
In the statement of faith known as the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the question is asked: “What is the chief end of man?” The answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever” (Psalm 86:9; 16:5-11).
My friend, I close with a similar question for you to answer: What is your “chief end”, purpose, and dominant goal in life? One ancient church father pondered a similar question and answered, “Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee” (Augustine).
Make your life a glorious reflection of the LORD in all His heavenly glory!
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith