Psalm 50:1-4
Living during the time of King David, Asaph was crucial in worship leadership at the Ark in Jerusalem. His name means ‘gatherer’ and he had many duties as a Levite; he was responsible for all aspects of the Ark, led the order of service, may have served as security, maintained the general duties, but also, he was a singer, musician, poet, and prophet. Asaph, specifically chosen by King David, was quite valuable to the ministry. Listen to his words:
The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to it’s setting. Vs. 1
This prophetic writer declared right from the start that Israel’s God is all-powerful as He daily speaks and commands the earth. Did you ever wonder what God does all day? He’s communicating with the earth for us! He’s maintaining creation, making sure our earth stays on it’s axis, rotates and revolves around the sun, and so much more. He’s making sure our needs are met, providing a good life for us until we join Him in the final Kingdom enjoying eternity with Him.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Vs. 2
From where does God fulfill all His promises? We would answer heaven, of course, but Asaph gives us more revelation: Zion. This Hebrew name refers to the place of God’s manifested or revealed glory (shekinah) which shines for all mankind. It was a lower story in the Tabernacle and Temple, but it’s the upper story or spiritual sense of God’s presence which is perfect or complete beauty. This word picture conjures up images in our minds of whatever we think is absolute, breathtaking beauty. It stimulates our imaginations in order to worship Him more effectively. Personally, I think of Rev. 4 where the Throne Room is pictured for us full of light, beauty, and activity.
Our God comes; He does not keep silence; before Him is a devouring fire, around Him a mighty tempest. Vs. 3
Jesus is coming again, not like the first time in silence and humility, but with pomp and circumstance, an impressive display of grandeur, exciting celebration, and attracting the attention of all. On That Day He’ll be surrounded by fire and tornado winds; no one will be able to miss it.
He calls to the heavens above and to the earth that He may judge His people. Vs. 4
This aspect of ‘judging’ referring to believers, His people, is not a guilty verdict, but ruling leadership; He’ll lead His people back to Eden, the place of delight, for all eternity.
… and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire … when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thes. 1:7a, 10
That’s Asaph’s point; God fulfilling every promise.
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