Covenantal Worship, Pt. 2 - Psalm 132

Yesterday we examined the beginning of Psalm 132, which focuses on God's covenant with His people. It is the first part of a responsive song. The second is God's response to His covenant-keeping people.

Psalm 132:14-18

"This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread. Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, and her godly ones will sing aloud for joy. There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself, his crown shall shine."

When people cry out to the Lord based on entering into a covenant relationship with Him, God responds and answers prayer. What did the children of Israel ask for yesterday? Summing it up, they requested:

· God to enter His resting place as they establish room for Him

· For the priests to be clothed with righteousness

· For the godly to be granted joy

· For the coming of the Messiah

Interestingly, though, God responds to the prayer of His people by giving them MORE than they requested. When they ask for God to enter His resting place, not only does He do so, but He states that He will provide and give satisfaction to the people. When we are in covenant with the Lord, He is our provider and sustainer, and it is not just enough to get by. God promises abundant provision!

When the people ask the Lord for the priests to be clothed in righteousness, God responds with salvation. They request justice and right standing with the Lord, and He provides deliverance – complete annihilation of the sinful nature in us. But, again, God provides MORE! The result of which is that we respond with singing! The joy of our salvation causes us to rejoice in His goodness.

When the people ask for God to remember His promise of a Messiah, God responds that not only has He remembered, but He has already prepared the way. The root comes from fire and plowing up, indicating that God is already at work, burning up the fleshly natures and preparing His people for Christ's entrance onto the scene. It will be an incredible sight, with the Messiah's rule blossoming and flourishing while His enemies are put to shame. Again, God's response is to be ahead of where the people are. He has already arranged for their Redeemer among them.

God is our MUCH MORE! He is already ahead of where you are, providing for you abundantly and clothing you with His deliverance. What a fantastic picture of covenant! When we offer all of what is within us, God responds with more than we could hope or think to even ask of Him. We serve an amazing God, whose grace and goodness are poured out exponentially upon those who walk in covenant with Him!