Psalm 96
Matthew 22: 15-21
Alter translates vs 5 of psalm 96, “For all gods of the peoples are ungods, but the Lord has made the heavens” (5). Rival gods have no reality beyond their images (7, 2). After noticing, recognizing and acknowledging the Lord, the psalm urges people to publicly praise, honor and glorify the One, True, Only Lord God. These are activities we typically label as missionary and evangelical (4).
The psalm reminds us that images and likenesses are not the ‘real thing,’ but idols and ‘ungods.’ The word ungod implies an undoing, as if they were once gods who have been un-godded, de-godded, demoted. This idea may resonate. We often put something or someone on a pedestal, but at some point they tend to topple. Deepening our relationship with the Lord is, in part, a process of uncovering and unmasking the ungods.
When Jesus is handed the coin, He asks, “Who’s image is this?” In reducing Caesar to an image, He is able to suggest Caesar is an ungod; as such he does not trade in the same currency as God. Give Caesar his coin back. But what is God’s currency? What do we give back to Him?
Answers to the question are as limitless as all the beings the Creator creates, however, the psalm offers a suggestion worth considering. We owe Him praise, glory and honor, and need to offer it publicly: a tall order. There are times, perhaps here and now, when mentioning His existence is itself an act of evangelization. When we do so, we are inviting people to realize society’s gods are ungods; we can model for others the process of discerning between the Sovereign Lord and the ungods which society has put on a pedestal.
Journal Questions:
- As I reflect on my past, who or what would I now label as ungods? How did I discover they were not the real deal?
- Do I publicly acknowledge the Lord? How does acknowledging and praising the Lord publicly deepen my relationship with God?
References: Refer to blog post entitled Resources
© 2017 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 