Old Testament Scripture Reading: (Psalms 47:1 – 9 KJV)
Psa 47:1 A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Psa 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Psa 47:3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Psa 47:4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
Psa 47:5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psa 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
Psa 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
Psa 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
Psa 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
New Testament Scripture Reading: ( 2 Corinthians 5:11 – 21 KJV)
2Co 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2Co 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
2Co 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2Co 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Transforming Power Statements:
1) The son’s of Korah who wrote this Psalm learned to maintain faith in the sovereignty and intense nature of the Most High God, when their father, Korah had led a rebellion against Moses who was the spokes person for God, and were consumed in fire because of their bad choice of personal misunderstanding and application, of God’s Word which He had explained explicitly in the Book of the Law.
2) This Psalm also teaches us how our personal convictions should be with regard to possessing an abiding faith in the fact that the true God is King of the universe and that He is a shield of protection to everyone who puts their trust in Him as can be seen by observing many Old Testament believers who also relied completely His proclamation and execution of authority over all other powers!
3) Paul in a similar way mentions the “terrible” nature of God against sin and His complete forgiveness which He has provided for all who trust in the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus The Christ, His Son; Who Himself is a “Perfect Shield” to anyone believing in His completed work on their behalf.