Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings,
Psalm 29:1-2 NIV
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
I am writing this on a Saturday morning. Tomorrow, I will join a local community of believers in a time of worship. We will gather together, visit with each other, sing a few songs with the worship team, passively sit and listen to a sermon, and then go home, having worshiped God. But have we really?
This psalm starts by calling on the heavenly beings to ascribe (to give) God the glory due to his name. “His name” is a term that is often used to represent God. So the call here is to give God the glory that is rightfully his. And if the heavenly host is to do that, can we do any less?
To “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” This reminds me of Revelation 4, Isaiah 6:1-8, and Ezekiel 1. These are all glimpses of God in the splendor of his holiness. And none of those who saw it were unmoved. Ezekiel fell facedown (Ezek. 1:28). Isaiah was overwhelmed with his unworthiness (Is. 6:5). And the heavenly beings around the throne all fell down and worshipped (Rev. 4:8-11).
And is that not what worship truly is? Bowing down before the One who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Being overwhelmed by his presence and glory. Recognizing our own unworthiness. And joining the heavenly beings in ascribing to the Lord the glory due his name.
As you come to worship the Lord, seek to catch a glimpse of him in the splendor of his holiness. And then give him the glory due his name.
