Ascension of the Lord
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Written by Kris Frank
Psalm 47 presents something that is far too often overlooked – the pure praise of God. Take a closer look at some of the words used to describe what the psalmist is articulating: “clap your hands,” “cries of gladness,” “trumpet blasts,” “shouts of joy.” I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound much like a typical liturgical experience at my local church; perhaps that is a bigger conversation for another day. However, what caught my attention in these few verses was the reason for this dynamic worship. It is a celebration of God’s kingly and ultimate authority.
When this psalm was originally written, those who read these words understood the connection between a king and their well-being – the health and prosperity of the people were directly tied to the throne. Fast forward thousands of years and past countless examples of miserable monarchs and corrupt politicians to our present day, and the idea of someone having authority and power over us has lost its shine.
It can be hard to understand or even contemplate the reality of kingship in modern times, let alone God in that role. It’s much easier to picture God as a cosmic vending machine dishing out heavenly graces, or a celestial cheerleader encouraging us as we live our lives. The idea that God saved us from eternal hellfire is celebrated; the thought we’re held subject under a greater authority isn’t. It is one thing to claim God as savior, it’s something altogether different to hold him as sovereign.
As believers, we must realize that Christ’s reign is vastly different from our world's political systems we are familiar with and accustomed to. Jesus is a different type of King, so He has a different type of kingdom. His reign is one of selfless, unconditional, and compassionate love. He leads with grace and mercy and rules with truth and compassion. He is a king who has laid down His life for His people to ensure all are free from the bondage of sin and death. Not even the gates of hell can dethrone Him. And He has invited us to His banquet table as adopted sons and daughters.
Our ultimate well-being is not predicated upon our own doing, but on what Christ, our King, has already done. The one on the heavenly throne cares about your welfare. To hold that Christ is the king of our lives is not to accept a life of oppression but one of liberation. And it is, for this reason, that we may now approach His throne with shouts of joy.
This week as we reflect deeper on this psalm, let us ask ourselves, how do we value and appreciate God’s sovereignty in our daily lives?
Kris Frank attended Franciscan University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in catechetics and theology with a youth ministry concentration. He has been a part of youth programs in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. He now serves as vice president of Vagabond Missions in Steubenville, Ohio, where he lives. Kris has been privileged to travel around the country, sharing the Gospel with teens and young adults at various retreats, camps, and conferences. He also published his first book, Hope Always, in 2020. You can find more about the author at www.kristopherfrank.com. Follow Kris on Instagram.
Pray with today’s psalm.