THE REFUGE DEVOTIONAL
While the Israelites were suffering under the hand of Pharaoh in Egypt, God, by His mighty power, sent forth His servant Moses to accomplish His will. God, through Moses, would simply speak and bring devastating plagues upon the entire nation.
For many years they had suffered under the task-master’s whip. God’s people were forced to build the Egyptian kingdom by the power of a demented man who ruled them with an iron scepter. God would harden Pharaoh’s heart time and time again until the whole land was demolished.
The iron scepter of Pharaoh would finally be broken when the mighty hand of Jehovah, by the exertion of His power, entered into Egypt at midnight and all the firstborn in the land died. The firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well. More over, there was a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.
God passed over His people by the blood of the lamb that was put on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses. God set His people free from the slavery of Egypt. This was to be remembered and celebrated each year, so the people would not forget the gracious mercy of God upon His beloved children and His divine judgment upon the disobedient.
Though this Psalm is very short, it is full of adoration to God. For in the fullness of time He lifted up the afflicted in Egypt and set them free. This Psalm begins and ends with “Praise “ and it was designed to move the hearts of the people came out of slavery, to a position of worship.
This Psalm itself was possibly sung at Pentecost and the feast of Tabernacles, but had its greatest significance at Passover which celebrated the Jews’ deliverance from Egypt. Traditionally, this Psalm was sung before the Passover meal to recall to each generation the salvation of God’s deliverance.
In this Psalm, I will only call to the attention verse three, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, The name of the LORD is to be praised.” Ah, the merciful compassion of God, whose redeeming love bought His children from the perils of everlasting torment; Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb of God, gave up His life willingly for all whom the Father would give Him.
Yes, you who believe; God has called you. The mighty arrow of His love has pierced your heart, causing saving faith to live within you. It is true, far past comprehension; He separated you from all others and He called you by your name. This is personal and intentional, the God who upholds the universe by the breath of His word set His eternal affection upon you.
The sword that once cried out for your blood has been sheathed, the black cloud of God’s vengeance that hovered over you has been subsided, hell has been vanquished, and death has been swallowed up.
Praise be to the God of heaven, for the fullness of God’s wrath was turned from you and poured out upon Jesus Christ. For it is written, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
Come now all who have bowed the knee to Jesus Christ, lift up your voice here on earth; join in with the heavenly choir, “From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.” For those whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.
O Lord, I will praise you for your anger is turned away from me and your grace has brought me comfort. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength.
Rodney Nantz
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, The name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 NASBS