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Apostolic Faith Church Memphis TN, 8326 Macon Road, Cordova, TN (2026)

09/08/2026

Luke 10:1-42

08 Sep 2026

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. — Luke 10:41-42

DAYBREAK

Several months ago at a Bible study, our teacher set a large glass jar on a table in front of the audience. Then she removed some large stones from a sack and proceeded to fill the jar to the brim, commenting as she did so that the stones represented priorities in our lives. When there was no more room in the jar, she asked us if the jar was full. We all nodded that yes, it was. She opened the sack again and withdrew handful after handful of small pebbles which she put into the jar, shaking it so that the small stones fell between the larger ones. When she could get no more in, she asked again if the jar was full. Again, we agreed that it was.

Finally she took out a container of sand and proceeded to pour that over the large rocks and the smaller pebbles. For the third time, we agreed that the jar was full. Then she explained that the jar was like our lives. The large rocks were the most important parts of our lives: our relationship with God, our families, our responsibilities as Christians. The pebbles represented things that matter to us: our jobs, our homes, our personal interests. The sand represented everything else. She pointed out that if she had filled the jar first with sand, or even with pebbles, there would have been no room for the larger stones. It is important to put first things first!

Priorities play a part in almost everything we do beginning the moment we wake up each day. If we value sleep more than breakfast, we may choose to sleep in. If we want good grades in school, we do our homework. If we want to save money, we pack a lunch rather than going out.

How we spend our time is a reflection of our priorities. Many times at work, I have been given a list of tasks to do, and sometimes I must ask which is most important. While all the tasks are necessary, if I place too much emphasis or invest too much time on the wrong project, my productivity may suffer.

In today’s text, we read of a woman named Martha who welcomed Jesus and His disciples into her home. In an effort to show honor and be a good hostess, she spent much time preparing food and serving her guests. Meanwhile, her sister Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word.” Martha was perturbed because Mary was not helping her, but Jesus explained that while Martha was busying herself with more than was necessary, Mary was spending her time wisely.

Note that what Martha was doing wasn’t wrong in and of itself. Certainly it is appropriate to care for the needs of one’s guests, but Jesus pointed out that Martha’s priorities were misaligned: she had placed too much importance on the details of this life and not enough importance on spiritual matters.

We must be careful to not fall into the same trap Martha fell into. Most of us have many responsibilities that require our attention and time commitments we must honor. Among all our activities, however, we must be careful to keep our relationship with the Lord as the top priority. Often we do not have control over all the aspects of our daily schedule, but if we truly want the Lord to be first in our lives, we must honor Him with our time. In return, He will be faithful to reward our commitment to Him.

BACKGROUND
Chapter 10 of Luke’s Gospel can be broken into three main sections: the mission of the seventy (verses 1-24), Jesus’ discussion with the lawyer and the parable of the Good Samaritan (verses 25-37), and His stay in Bethany at Mary and Martha’s house (verses 38-42).

Today’s text opens with Jesus appointing seventy disciples. The number seventy had special significance to the Jewish people. For example, seventy elders were appointed by Moses to judge the Children of Israel (see Exodus 24:1 and Numbers 11:16), and the Sanhedrin had seventy members (plus the High Priest). Jewish tradition also held that there were seventy peoples or nations other than the Jews, so possibly the number of disciples sent out was symbolic of an effort to reach all of those nations.

Jesus specified that these disciples were to travel in groups of two rather than individually. In pairs, they could not only support and encourage each another, but could also verify one another’s account: according to the Law, at least two witnesses were required to establish something as true (see Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:16).

In verse 25, a lawyer asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. In that era, a lawyer was a scribe or person of a similar occupation who studied the Law. Thus, when Jesus asked what was in the Law, this man was well able to answer. When the lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was, Luke said he sought to “justify himself” (verse 29). According to the Law, a neighbor was defined specifically as a fellow Israelite (see Leviticus 19:18). The lawyer likely expected Jesus to refer to this definition, and his righteousness in this area would thus be shown. Instead, Jesus related the story known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

At that time, many priests lived in Jericho — possibly as many as twelve thousand — and the road Jesus referred to in His parable was the main road between there and Jerusalem. The surrounding area was frequented by many thieves, making Jesus’ parable especially relatable. When the priest and Levite passed by the injured Jew, they were in direct contradiction of the Law, which commanded that they have compassion on their fellowmen (see Deuteronomy 22:1-4). Samaritans, on the other hand, were cultural enemies of the Jews, making the compassion of the Samaritan in the parable all the more remarkable.

In the previous chapter, Luke had recounted that Jesus was rejected in a Samaritan village (Luke 9:52-53). Nevertheless, Jesus clearly showed that even the Samaritans were deserving of love and mercy. When asked who “was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves,” the lawyer’s prejudice prevented him from explicitly responding, “The Samaritan.” Instead, he referred to him simply as “he that shewed mercy upon him” (verse 37).

Chapter 10 closes with the account of Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary and Martha. In verse 39, we read that Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” She was listening intently, and was seated in the same position that Jewish scholars sat when learning from rabbis. In verse 42, Jesus tells Martha that only “one thing is needful.” This seems to indicate that the “good part” chosen by Mary — learning from Jesus — was that one needful thing. However, some commentators suggest that Jesus was saying that only one simple meal was necessary, as opposed to the excess Martha was preparing (to which He had just referred in the previous verse). In either case, Jesus’ point was clear: the things of God are of far more importance than temporal things.

CONCLUSION
As we go about fulfilling our many daily responsibilities, may we never allow anything to become more important to us than Jesus.

09/07/2026

Luke 9:37-62

07 Sep 2026

And [Jesus] said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. — Luke 9:48

DAYBREAK

Soon after my wife and I moved to the city where we currently live and began worshiping at our small branch church, I met a man who truly exemplified the concluding words of our focus verse, “. . . for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” This brother wasn’t musically gifted, nor was he physically imposing. (When he was younger, his friends used to call him “Shorty,” which provides a clue regarding his stature.) At the time we learned to know him, he recently had been widowed and was in his retirement years. He easily could have gone unnoticed.

However, we couldn’t help but observe the twinkle in his eye and his genuine friendliness. We saw how quick he was to jump to his feet to testify for his Lord. Then we started noticing how he helped out in a lot of little (and some big) ways around church. He helped clean on a regular basis, cheerfully vacuuming the sanctuary. More than once after a special event, I saw him taking home giant black bags of garbage because the dumpster in the back was full.

Beyond those more or less public activities, he was very faithful in his private life. I discovered later that when people moved away from our city, he continued to mail them Sunday school lessons and devotional materials regularly over a period of years. Then there were times in the prayer room when I would overhear him praying for missionaries and Christians around the world.

One of this brother’s favorite Scriptures was 1 Corinthians 15:58, and he lived by it daily — he was an example of being “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” I am sure he did not think he was anybody special or better than others. However, in Heaven, I believe he will be granted a great reward for his unpretentious faithfulness.

In today’s focus verse, Jesus pointed out that true greatness in life is not found in self-promotion but in sacrificial love toward God and other people. Nothing we do will earn us a place in the heavenly kingdom; salvation is the gift of God, and was made possible solely by Jesus’ death on the Cross. But once we have received this wonderful gift, is there anything for us to do? The answer is an emphatic yes! In fact, one of the key messages of our text is what God expects of those who follow Him: we are to “receive” (welcome or care for) others, to exemplify humility, and to deny ourselves.

How have you served lately — especially those who are unable to reciprocate? Are you willing to care for others even when your efforts are largely unnoticed? Your honest response to these questions may provide a good evaluation of your true greatness in God’s eyes.

BACKGROUND
The first portion of today’s text (verses 37-43) took place after Jesus and His three closest disciples returned from the Mount of Transfiguration to find the other disciples surrounded by a crowd of people. In Jesus’ absence, the disciples had been unable to cast a demon out of a tormented young boy. At the father’s request, Jesus quickly healed the boy.

In the parallel account in Matthew, the boy is described by the word “lunatic” (from the Latin word lunaticus meaning “of the moon,” pointing to the ancient superstition which suggested that seizures were caused by changes in the moon). Also in Matthew, Jesus explained that the disciples’ inability to cast out the devil was because of unbelief. In Mark’s account, Jesus gave His disciples, who had questioned Him privately, another important truth regarding spiritual effectiveness: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

Following this incident, Jesus and His disciples left the region and went through Galilee with the intention of remaining incognito (see Mark 9:30). This may have been so Jesus could spend time alone with His disciples to teach them. Several weighty subjects were discussed as they traveled: for the second time, Jesus predicted His coming death (verses 44-45), and also spoke on true discipleship (verses 46-50).

Verse 51 marks a division in the text, and begins the account of Jesus’ ministry in Perea, the territory east of Jordan. His life was in constant danger during this six-month period, which lasted until His final Passover. Most of the accounts in this section (which ends at Luke 19:27), appear only in Luke. The majority of Christ’s parables are contained in these chapters.

Also, verse 51 indicates Jesus’ determination to go to Jerusalem. His journey was not a straightforward, continuous trip but rather an extended period of teaching ministry, during which Jesus looked ahead with fixed purpose to the culminating events of His earthly life which would occur in Jerusalem.

Jesus and His disciples faced an antagonistic reception from the Samaritans (verses 51-56) who were of mixed race and semi-pagan in their religion. The Samaritans typically were hostile to Jews, and regularly refused overnight shelter for travelers who were headed to Jerusalem for religious festivals. In return, the Jews considered the Samaritans to be on a level with dogs. The antipathy between them was so great that frequently travelers would walk around Samaria rather than through it, although this lengthened their journey significantly. Jesus’ disciples wished to call down judgment upon these people, but Jesus’ response was to remind them that He had come not to destroy men but to call them to repentance.

In the final verses of this text (verses 57-62), Jesus taught about the meaning of true discipleship.

CONCLUSION
True greatness is manifested by humble service.

08/31/2026

Luke 5:27 Through 6:11

31 Aug 2026

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. — Luke 5:29

DAYBREAK

Hospitality can be an evangelistic outreach. This was true in New Testament times, and it is true in our day too. A family in our congregation tells of the impact that Christian hospitality can make upon troubled individuals in need of God.

After five years of marriage, Warren’s gambling habit had caused a great deal of turmoil. Finally, one Christmas Eve his wife Lucille told him to leave their home — she didn’t care if she ever saw him again. A few weeks later, this desperate young man went to the Apostolic Faith Church in Los Angeles, California, and prayed through to salvation. When his wife made it clear that she had no interest in reconciling, he moved to Portland, Oregon, for employment.

After several months, Lucille agreed to come to Portland to see if their marriage could be restored. Although she was determined not to get saved, the love and hospitality bestowed on her by the church people began to melt her heart. She could feel their love and genuine interest in her. On one occasion, she and Warren were invited to a couple’s home for dinner. The table was beautifully set with fine china, but somehow it collapsed, toppling everything onto the floor. The graciousness exhibited by the hostess in this embarrassing event made a lasting impression on Lucille, providing another Christian example for her to reflect on. It was not long before she made her way to an altar of prayer and surrendered her life to God. Warren and Lucille served the Lord together for the rest of their lives.

In today’s text, we find a Biblical example of hospitality that possibly was extended with a strategic reason in mind. Levi had responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, and had given up wealth, privilege, and position to do so. The change that Jesus had made in his life motivated Levi to invite his former coworkers and friends to a feast at his house so they, too, could get acquainted with Jesus and learn more about Him. He no doubt wanted to win his fellow tax collectors to Christ, just as the church people in Portland extended hospitality to Lucille with the thought of encouraging her to become a Christian.

The scribes and Pharisees were indignant that Jesus would mix with a crowd of publicans and sinners. In the culture of that day, fellowship during a meal signified full acceptance. The publicans were tax collectors for the Roman government and generally hated by the Jews, while “sinners” could have been anyone who did not adhere to the rigorous ceremonial requirements set forth by the religious leaders. However, in response to the scribes and Pharisees’ disapproval, Jesus emphasized that His mission was to call sinners, not righteous individuals, to repentance.

The Greek word for “hospitality” is philoxenia, which means “love of strangers.” How can we draw people to God by the use of our homes and resources? Who might need reinforcement in the battle against loneliness? Are there people among our acquaintances who could be brought together in a warm and friendly environment for the sake of God’s Kingdom?

Christian hospitality is both challenging and rewarding. It unquestionably takes time, effort, and reliance on God. However, a casual gathering of friends or an invitation to dinner may be just what is needed to encourage others to give their lives to God. By being welcoming hosts, we can invite the outside world into our world of faith and trust in Him. Let us purpose to look for opportunities to be hospitable to those who are strangers to Christ, and demonstrate God’s love in every way we can.

BACKGROUND
Today’s text covers the call of Levi (5:27-33) and Jesus’ responses to the scribes and Pharisees’ questions about fasting (5:33-39) and lawful activities on the Sabbath (6:1-11).

The word publican is a translation of the Greek word telones, which means “tax gatherer.” Levi, also known as Matthew, was a publican or tax collector in Capernaum, which was a sizable fishing port and trade center. Levi would have been one of many such collectors exacting levies on imported goods and local citizens. All caravans passing through Capernaum on the highway from Damascus to Egypt were required to pay a toll. The Jews also paid taxes on their lands, produce, animals, and the productive fishing industry. These oppressive taxes were even more offensive to the Jews because of their loathing for the Roman government. They despised the tax collectors, who not only worked for the Roman government, but were often corrupt in their business practices, collecting more than what was owed and keeping the overcharge for themselves.

As Jesus passed by Levi’s toll booth near the Sea of Galilee, He said just two words, “Follow me.” Levi immediately left the wealth and security of his position to follow Christ. The feast mentioned in verse 29 may have been a farewell party to announce Levi’s intention to leave his employment and follow Jesus. It also provided an opportunity for Levi to introduce his guests to Jesus.

In verses 30-32, the scribes and Pharisees questioned why Jesus attended a feast which included publicans and sinners. The religious leaders looked down on most Jews as “unspiritual,” and would never socialize with anyone who did not adhere to the ceremonial requirements of the Law. Jesus’ response revealed His knowledge that the Pharisees felt they had no need of Him because they considered themselves already free from the disease of sin. Jesus said He came to minister to sinners who were sick of sin and wanted to be free from it.

In verses 33-35, the question regarding fasting may have been asked on an actual fast day since the Pharisees and other devout Jews fasted weekly. As fasting was a type of mourning, Jesus alluded to the joyful occasion of a marriage and replied that it was not fitting to make the “children of the bridechamber,” or “friends of the bridegroom,” fast while the bridegroom was with them. He said the day would come when the bridegroom (symbolizing Jesus) would be taken away, and then they would fast.

In verses 36-39, the obvious absurdities in Jesus’ contrasts illustrated the incompatibility of trying to mix the old ways (Jewish traditions) with the new (Jesus’ teachings).

In Luke 6:1-5, the phrase “second sabbath after the first” may mean “the sabbath after Passover.” Plucking corn in a neighbor’s field was permissible as long as a sickle was not used (see Deuteronomy 23:25), but the controversy was whether doing so was lawful on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to David and his men eating the loaves of “shewbread” from the Tabernacle when they were fleeing from Saul (see 1 Samuel 21:1-6). This bread was consecrated to God and was to be eaten by the priests only, but Jesus implied that there can be exceptions to rigorous religious requirements in times of need. Jesus also stressed that as the “Son of man” (a Messianic title), He had the authority to determine what was lawful or not lawful on the Sabbath.

Verses 6-11 describe another Sabbath when Jesus taught in the Temple. The religious leaders were ready to accuse Him if He chose to heal on that day, but Jesus caught them off guard with His symbolic question, and they knew it would make them look punitive to argue against doing good or saving lives on the Sabbath. They were enraged that He had once again verbally outmaneuvered them, and discussed how they might destroy Him.

CONCLUSION
Demonstrating love and hospitality will cause others to see Jesus reflected in you, and may go a long way toward drawing souls to Christ.

08/30/2026

Sunday morning devotional service
Apostolic faith church Memphis TN
08/23/2026

08/30/2026

Sunday morning devotional service
Apostolic faith church Memphis TN
08/30/2026

08/25/2026

Luke 1:39-80

25 Aug 2026

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways. — Luke 1:76

DAYBREAK

A Google search for the phrase “great men” brings up over a billion results. Glancing through the first few websites listed, you will find articles concerning great men of history, great men of peace, great men based on wealth, and great men of intellect and achievement. You can read the poems and love letters of great men, or peruse a multitude of quotations by great men — notable historical figures, authors, celebrities, and newsmakers.

If you want to narrow down the field of “greatness,” check out Time magazine. Every year since 1927, Time has selected an official “Person of the Year,” recognizing an individual whom the editors feel has done the most to influence world events during the past year and best embodies what was important during that period of time. (Some of these men had a negative impact on the world: the list includes such names as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hi**er, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Vladimir Putin!)

Alexander Maclaren, a renowned Baptist preacher, pastor, and author in the mid-1800s, once said, “No epithet is more misused and misapplied than that of ‘a great man’ . . . Every little man who makes a noise for a while gets it hung around his neck.” Based on the world’s estimation, the title “great” is conferred upon a few who deserve such acclaim and many more who do not.

God’s estimation of greatness is based upon vastly different criterion from that of the world. Today’s text records the birth of John the Baptist, a man whose miraculous birth was foretold by an angel who proclaimed of the unborn child, “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:15). In our focus verse, John’s father Zacharias prophesied that his son would be called “the prophet of the Highest,” and would “go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” What a key role that little infant in his arms would play in the drama of the ages — and what a truly great individual is introduced to history in this passage!

John’s personal biography for the next thirty years is summarized in one short verse which concludes the chapter: “The child grew, and waxed strong . . . till the day of his shewing unto Israel.” Subsequent references to him in Luke and the other Gospels validate the prophetic words uttered by the angel and Zacharias. John would be great because of his unwavering courage, his disregard for personal comfort or convenience, his absolute humility, and his fiery enthusiasm for righteousness. Most importantly, he would fulfill the role described by Zacharias, preparing the people for the coming Messiah.

The Source of true greatness is available to us all. We must begin by yielding our hearts and wills to the One to whom John so zealously pointed: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We must let a vision of Him erase all thoughts of our own importance. Then, our closeness to Christ and our experience of His power can kindle in us the courage, self-denial, humble spirit, and zeal for righteousness that was so clearly exemplified by the forerunner of Christ.

It is a poor ambition to seek to be called “great,” but it is a noble desire to be “great in the sight of the Lord.” While we will not have the same role as John did in God’s service, we can all be great in God’s sight. It will not matter what men thought of us on this earth if at the end we receive praise from the One who purchased our salvation with His own Blood!

BACKGROUND
Today’s text covers several significant events immediately preceding the birth of Christ: Mary’s visit to Elisabeth (verses 39-45), her hymn of praise (verses 46-56), and the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ (verses 57-80).

After Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the Christ Child, he informed her that her elderly cousin Elisabeth had also conceived (see Luke 1:36). The word translated cousin means “kinswoman,” indicating that the two women were related in some way through marriage or blood. Mary immediately went to see Elisabeth, traveling a distance of about sixty-five miles to Nazareth. She stayed there for three months, until just before the birth of John.

Verse 41 indicates that when Mary entered the house of Zacharias, the baby “leaped” in Elisabeth’s womb, in accord with the angelic proclamation to Zacharias that his child would be “filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). Elisabeth was spiritually attuned, for she immediately identified Mary as “the mother of my Lord” even though she presumably had no prior knowledge of what had transpired in Mary’s life or the fact that her young kinswoman was with child. No doubt this Spirit-inspired greeting strengthened Mary’s faith.

Mary’s beautiful song of praise to God, recorded in verses 46-55, is both poetic and prophetic. Known as The Magnificat (a title derived from the key word in the Latin translation of the first line of this passage), it is an unscripted outpouring of deep emotion similar to that of Hannah in the Old Testament (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10). In stating that God “hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden” (verse 48), Mary alluded to her own background of poverty and low social standing in society.

Verses 57-80 of the text describe events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. At the time of circumcision (which occurred eight days after birth, according to the Levitical Law) it was also customary to name the child. When Elisabeth broke with the tradition of naming the firstborn son after the father and insisted that the child’s name would be John (as the angel had decreed in Luke 1:13), those at the ceremony appealed to Zacharias by making signs (verse 62). This seems to indicate that Zacharias was deaf as well as unable to speak. When he wrote on a tablet “His name is John,” his speech was instantly restored.

Four hundred years had passed since the last recorded utterances of the prophets, and during all that time devout individuals had awaited the promised Messiah. This accounts for the joyous rapture which filled Zacharias and was poured out in his hymn of thanksgiving (verses 67-79) known as The Benedictus (a word also derived from the Latin translation).

The emphatic tenses “hath visited and redeemed . . . hath raised” (verses 68-69) are prophetic. The fact that Zacharias spoke of the Incarnation as an already accomplished fact is evidence that he believed with certainty. In verses 76 and 77, he addressed his infant son and foretold that he would be “a prophet of the Highest” and the forerunner of the promised Messiah. Zacharias’ concluding statement that the “the dayspring . . . hath visited us” alluded to the prediction of Malachi at the close of the Old Testament, that the “Sun of righteousness” would arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).

CONCLUSION
Our goal in life should be to please our Lord rather than to gain the applause of man. Let us follow the example of John the Baptist, and do our best to point those around us to the Source of all true greatness.

08/23/2026

Psalms 147:1 Through 150:6

23 Aug 2026

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. — Psalm 150:6

DAYBREAK

The journalistic strategy informally deemed the “five Ws and an H” is frequently used to ensure thorough investigation of a topic. The simple, one-word questions Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? are designed to cover all the bases and assist a writer in obtaining critical details for a news story or report. In Psalm 150, the author answers each of these questions, thus providing in six short verses a fitting conclusion to the Book of Psalms. The prayers, tears, laments, exhortations, songs, and meditations of the previous psalms all lead to this final call: to praise the Lord God of Heaven and earth.

Who? Verse 6 specifies that nothing with breath is exempted from the duty of praise. That includes us! Every person in the history of the world has been impacted by the greatness of God. While some people are blessed with extensive and personal knowledge of God, everyone can see His greatness through His mighty acts of creation.

What? Praise! The psalm opens with an injunction to praise. And its conclusion — and the final statement of the Book of Psalms which was written over a period of many years and by many authors — admonishes once again that we are to praise the Lord. An attempt to define the word praise brings to mind synonyms such as commend, applaud, pay tribute to, and acclaim. However, none of these are sufficient to describe the glory and honor due to our Creator.

Where? Verse 1 describes two places where praise should be offered to the Lord: in the sanctuary and in the “firmament of His power.” The sanctuary is the holy place set aside for worship. In Old Testament times, this was the Tabernacle and Temple. In this New Testament dispensation, God’s people — those who have been made holy by the Blood of Jesus — are His temples (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). The “firmament of His power” could also be translated as “the expanse of His strength.” All around us, God displays His majesty and power through creation. In response, we are to praise Him.

When? God’s excellent greatness (verse 2) surrounds us at every moment, so the implication is that praise is due His great Name at every moment as well. The Psalms teach us that when things are going well and life is easy, we are to praise the Lord. And when things are hard and there seems no end to the problems, we are still to praise the Lord!

Why? Verse 2 says that we are to praise God for His mighty acts. Consider how He died on Calvary, delivering all who come to Him in repentance and believe on His Name. Consider how He calls lost sinners to Himself, raising them to new life and freedom from sin. Consider His mighty works in your own life! The more we meditate on His goodness, the more we sense the need to praise Him.

How? Verses 3-5 give directions for praising God with instruments. You may not be a trumpet player. Perhaps you have never touched a psaltery or harp. You can still praise God! The author of this psalm fairly bursts with enthusiasm, and he directs us to participate in praise as fully as we can. This is not a time of private reflection or personal prayer, although other psalms encourage both of those. This is a challenge to exuberant and audible expressions of glory to God. To all who will listen, let us join in joyous declaration that our God is great and worthy of praise!

BACKGROUND
Psalm 147

The theme of Psalm 147 is the extensive span of God’s gracious works in creation. Both animate and inanimate creations are called to praise Him. The verses are divided into three sections, each providing both a reason to praise the Lord and direct instruction to do so. Verses 1-6 describe God’s redemptive involvement with humanity, both corporately and individually. Verses 7-11 show God’s power in nature, evidenced by His provision for His creation. Verses 12-20 announce the goodness of the Lord as revealed in historical events and in His provision for His people.

This psalm takes the form of a hymn. While its date and author are not known, it may have been a post-exilic composition (based on verse 2), and likely was written after the rebuilding of Jerusalem (see verse 13).

Psalm 148

Psalm 148, sometimes referred to as “The Creation Chorus,” continues the counsel to praise the Lord. This psalm begins with the heavens praising God (verses 1-6), moves down to earth (verses 7-12), and concludes with a universal encouragement to all things to praise the Lord (verses 13-14). This structure follows the pattern God established at creation, in which the elements of the firmament above were created before mankind.

Psalm 149

A new song is commanded in the first verse of Psalm 149, which is a celebration of victory. This could refer to a new song based on new deliverance, new understanding, or new mercies from the Lord. It also could point prophetically to the new hearts promised (Ezekiel 36:26). Verses 2-5 invite the listeners to revel in the glory of their relationship with the Lord. Verses 6-9 describe the deliverance God provided for His people, and a description of the fate of the enemies of the Lord.

Psalm 150

As the conclusion to the Book of Psalms, Psalm 150 exults in the joy of praise. It both instructs the listener in what to do on earth and foreshadows the primary event of eternity: exuberant praise for the mighty works and excellent greatness of God. Verse 1 indicates that praise should be offered in the sanctuary but also in the firmament, or expanse, of God’s power.

Musical instruments — the trumpet, psaltery, harp, timbrel, stringed instruments, organs, and cymbals — were to be used in this final clear note of praise. The “trumpet” (shophar) was a long, slender horn with an upturned end, which was used at military and religious occasions to summon the people. The “timbrel” was a type of tambourine which was held and struck with the hand. The exact nature of the instruments identified as “organs” is unknown, but they probably were some form of pipes.

CONCLUSION
Take a moment to consider the mighty works and excellent greatness of the Lord, and then praise Him!

Apostolic Faith Church Memphis TN

09/08/2026

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