The range of God's rule and claim.
We have here -
I. THE WIDE RANGE OF GOD'S RULE. (Psalms 103:19.) If his throne were "prepared" anywhere on earth, while within sight of a few, it would be out of sight of and, in that sense, far away from many cities and provinces; but being "prepared in the heavens," it is (in thought and feeling) in view of all, and is thus near to all, and "his kingdom ruleth over all." "The Lord looketh from heaven, he beholdeth all the sons of men; from the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (Psalms 33:13, Psalms 33:14). To our imagination, and therefore practically to ourselves, the heavens are much nearer to us, much more "central," than any Jerusalem could be. Every kingdom, every city, every human home, is in the regard, under the control, subject to the rightful sway, of the Divine Sovereign.
II. THE FULNESS OF THE DIVINE CLAIM. God's claim:
1. Ascends to the highest intelligences; the "angels that excel in strength" owe to him their homage; they do, indeed, hearken and obey.
2. Descends to inanimate nature. All his works praise him; unconsciously they "declare his glory."
"There's not a plant nor flower below
But makes his glory known."
3. Includes all that come between. Whatever or whoever are intended by the "hosts" and "ministers" of Psalms 103:21, it is certain that the psalmist included the children of men. It may, indeed, be said that it is impossible to conceive of any of God's creatures or children who owe him so much as we do. For our creation, our endowment, our temporal mercies, our redemption at an infinite cost, and for all the Divine love, patience, considerateness (see above), we have been receiving from him, we owe him "perpetual songs of praise."
III. THE THOROUGHNESS OF OUR SERVICE.
1. Our praise is to be the devout expression of our deep feeling; much more than a reverent attitude or an appropriate deliverance: "all that is within us" (Psalms 103:1) is to come forth in grateful utterance; our song is to express our soul; it is to be the natural, unbidden voice of our homage, our attention, our love, our submission, our consecration.
2. We may he concerned about the piety of our neighbour; but the first thing to do is to address ourselves: "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"