In one book of linguistics that I read several years ago, the author suggested that the development of an alphabet had implications far beyond the mere ability to develop a language. The more important purpose of an alphabet, according to that forgotten author was that an alphabet allowed the arrangement of things. Of course you have all seen little children's books with pictures of things that start with ABC and so on! Well, in time - as civilization arose, the accumulated knowledge of that civilization could be so arranged. The great ancient library at Alexandria had a purposeful arrangement for the thousands of scrolls stored there. In such a manner do we find here in this particular psalm an alphabetical arrangement of God's work.

This alphabetical arrangement has a purpose, to show us how to praise the goodness of our Lord. Such is the encouragement of the opening "Hallelujah" which translates as "praise the Lord". The psalmist then explains where that praise will be given in the midst of God's people. Now, the words in the third phrase of verse one include the council and the assembly. Both, are equally important because they are one and the same. Did you notice the sequence where the assembly was first established, then out of the assembly, a council of elders is mentioned? ABC was the arrangement, no greater degrees of importance, but only of responsibility.

How different in comparison to worldly institutions where circles of importance are well defined and established. Why one of the most secular temples has thirty-two or thirty-three degrees of importance in its structure. And only a handful of visionaries are invited further up and further in to the secrets of the order. In the same way did the Gnostics in early Christian times, try to reorganize their cultic version of Christianity.

Such is not the case in Christ's Church where the order of the saints may be alphabetical, but not by degrees of importance. You see, we all have our equal parts to play. There is not room for any Superstars for each and everyone is called to the same task: to sing the praises of God!

On this Lord's day, let us well consider the sequence of praise given by our psalmist and consider his instruction as we gather to give God the praise due His Holy Name. Verse two encourages us to praise God for the deeds and things that God has accomplished. Notice the twofold nature of the acts and orders of God's hand. Not only the elements of the material creation, but the gracious acts of God in the course of time. These may be studied and discovered to be worthy of praise.

Verse three is concerned with the providential acts within God's ongoing work. That providence is righteous and shall endure forever. In the next verse, we learn that He causes His wonderful works to be remembered so that we may learn in our time that the Lord is gracious and compassionate. The sense of specific memorials established is conveyed. Such is the purpose of the Passover and Last Supper to help us in that memorial to remember and know the saving nature of His grace. In the sense of such memorial meals, the next verse takes on an added dimension. See the combination of food and covenant forever? How well has our Lord planned to keep us from forgetting Him and His covenant arrangement for our salvation.

Praise the Lord for such purposeful providence. But, wait, there is still more to consider in the giving of our praise. Well did the ancient Israelites know that the promised land was given to them from other less desirable natives. In time, even the remnant of the unconquered nations come in and joined the Jews. In the same way did the early settlers of this continent understand that by God's grace, the property that belonged to others was given over to them.

Of course, it is considered politically incorrect to glory in what God accomplished in our fair land in three short centuries. While more and more His providence is unstudied, misunderstood and even cursed, still we must understand the hard teaching of verse seven. Even as we received the land from native Americans, so may it be taken away in our own turn as the Lord decides.

He has a purpose that is being worked out over a very long time. Only future historians may find all of the pieces and put them together to teach their generations the lessons that we failed to learn. And yet, verse nine emphasizes what God has been doing all of this time. "He has sent redemption to His people." Even in the midst of wars, rumors of wars and natural disasters, God's own elect have been, are being and will be saved.

And why has He done this? Because He "has commanded His covenant forever." "Holy and awesome is His name." Well may we learn about His absolute holiness and the awesome nature of His name and personality. When we do ponder His works, His ways and His revelation, it is well that we give Him the respect and fear due to His perfect and holy Name.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." That comprehensive fear is one that would give rise to praise on our part and so fulfill the purpose of God's elect to give Him continual praise. Recently I asked a question or two on an English exam about the existence and acceptance of wisdom in our day and time. One of my students respectfully asked how I learned so much over the years, so I wrote her back that it isn't the amount of learning that we have, but the focus that is all important. After all, wisdom is only valid if we realize how little we know of what is knowable. But even that definition is not enough, wisdom is eternally worthwhile only if the know the Lord of wisdom and respect Him and stand in awe before Him who knows all, creates all and does all.

If we would seek this kind of wisdom we would go on to obey Him and follow his precepts to prove that we understand. This is our calling to praise Him in words and deeds, even as He performed the same. These added to the praise of our prayers prepares us for eternity with Him. May we be so encouraged to worship and praise Him always. Amen.