Oh Friends, it’s Easter Monday; a holiday for some lucky ones, but a normal day of labouring for others. That means we’ve got to remind you to dress in your full suit of spiritual armour before you go out and face the enemy in this new work week. I also hope that you did not party too heartily this Easter weekend and you’re now under the weather, because that’s when you’re most susceptible to the evil wiles and guile of Beelzebub. But yuh know something mih people, writing this Bit has certainly been an eye opener as well as an adventure and a great education. I’ve experienced and learned so much in the last three years that I’m amazed. Take today, I wrote the first part without a Bit in mind, but I’ve matured enough in my faith to be sure that a suitable one will be forthcoming. Then when I began searching for something, I ended up in Lamentations. But after a few minutes I said, no, today’s not a day for lamenting. It’s Easter Monday, a day for rejoicing and celebrating because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ only rose from the grave yesterday, having thoroughly defeated death; squarely put the boots to it. We need something with some joy, thanksgiving and praise for this special occasion. And where can one find the best bits of scripture under that heading? In the Psalms! So I began from Psalm 1, seeking something appropriate that I’ve never used. Lo and behold, I was finally guided to Psalm 47, titled, ‘God is the King of the earth.’ And so He is my brethren. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and nothing happens therein without His permission. That’s why the psalmist joyfully proclaimed: ‘O Clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible (awesome); he is a great King over all the earth.’ (Ps.47:1-2) The prophet Zechariah totally agreed. ‘And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.’ (Zech.14:9) So was it also manifested in John’s vision. ‘And the seventh angel sounded (blew his trumpet); and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.’ (Rev.11:15) Yes my people, it’s an undeniable, unassailable fact that the universe and all therein belongs to the Lord our God. And how do we behave before earthly kings? We show them honour and respect, bow before them in reverence and humility. Thus it is only fitting that we do the same, and even more, when in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who is indeed most worthy to receive such adoration, unlike many earthly monarchs. All those who glory in the Lord ought to exhibit wisdom and follow the psalmist’s advice: ‘sing ye praises with understanding.’ That means sensible, heartfelt, worthwhile stuff that will glorify our God, not mere wishy washy mouthings just for the sake of doing it. Here’s how Bruh Paul put it. ‘What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.’ (1 Cor.14:15) Though he was referring particularly to speaking in a tongue or language your listeners can understand, it fits well with our general principle, for what’s the purpose of singing, speaking or praying, sense or nonsense, in a language your listeners can’t comprehend? None whatsoever, especially when our stated aim is to edify and enlighten our listeners, so that they too can believe and find the peace, LOVE and joy that we’ve found in the risen Lord Jesus. In light of all that Friends, let’s all ‘Make a joyful noise unto God…Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious…O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard…Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.’ (Ps.66:1-2,8,20) And my people, as long as we continue praising, worshipping and glorifying our God with understanding and right hearts, He will NEVER depart from us. But remember, the onus is on us to keep seeking, LOVING, worshipping and glorifying Him. Have a blessed day, and don’t forget to ‘Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.’ (Ps.47:6) Much LOVE!…who is most worthy of our praises…the Most High God Jehovah…Infinitely Everything…Yahweh…
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