Submission to His Power

God has no enemies that cause Him a moment's worry—in due time they will all be vanquished.

September 29, 2018

"Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee."

Psalm 66:3

This psalm is written as a song to be sung in worship.

“Say unto God,”
Who is our praise addressed to?  Whether our praise is sung or spoken, we need to remember we are talking to God, not the people who may be with us at the time.

“How terrible art thou in thy works!”
The LORD’s works inspire fear and dread in those who do not know Him.  His sheer power is meant to impress awe and reverence on those who witness His deeds.

“They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice,” (Psalm 65:8).

“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,” (Hebrews 10:31).

“Through the greatness of thy power.”
He is omnipotent, and through His great power men are compelled to submit to Him.  There is no greater power!

“Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy,” (Exodus 15:6).

“Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power,” (Psalm 21:13).

“They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power,” (Psalm 145:11).

“Shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.”
Albert Barnes makes a good point here.1  Power can defeat people and force them to submit, at least outwardly.  All of God’s enemies will submit to Him someday and will “bow the knee” to Him (Philippians 2:19).  In fact, everyone will bow the knee to Him!  The difference between the unbeliever bowing the knee, and the believer bowing the knee, is the unbeliever will be submitting to God’s power because he must, where the believer has already submitted to God’s love.  The believer is conquered by the love of God, while the unbeliever will be dominated by His power.

Unbeliever let God’s love conquer your heart today while His grace abounds.  Tomorrow His judgment comes.

 

 

 

1.  Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.