How Great
Psalm 47 is a song of praise that encourages the worship of God as the King of the earth. The psalm emphasizes the universal reign of God and urges His people to sing praises to Him, acknowledging His greatness and sovereignty. Believers are urged to lift their voices and celebrate God's kingship by offering Him heartfelt adoration and praise.
When we consider Psalm 47 concerning "How Great Thou Art," we find a profound connection between them. They both emphasize the importance of worship and praise. Both the psalm and the hymn invite believers to lift their voices in celebration of God's greatness and majesty. They celebrate His sovereignty over all creation and call His people to offer Him praise and adoration.
As we reflect on our knowledge and memories of "How Great Thou Art," we might ask ourselves how singing resonates with our understanding of God's greatness and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 47. We can also consider the memories or experiences we associate with singing "How Great Thou Art" in church or other settings. We can explore how the chorus of "How Great Thou Art" echoes the sentiment of Psalm 47:6-7, calling us to sing praises to God as the King of all the earth. Additionally, we can reflect on how Paul's call to communion in 1 Corinthians 11:23-27 deepens our understanding of worship and praise, particularly in the context of singing hymns like "How Great Thou Art."
In 1 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul delivers a solemn charge to the church in Corinth regarding the proper observance of the Lord's Supper. He reminds them of the significance of this sacrament, which commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the redemption of humanity. Paul emphasizes the need for reverence, self-examination, and unity among believers during the partaking of the bread and cup, urging them to discern the body of Christ and to partake in a worthy manner.
Connecting Paul's charge to the church in Corinth with the splendor of "How Great Thou Art" highlights the profound depth of worship and reverence inherent in both. Just as Paul underscores the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with solemnity and self-reflection, "How Great Thou Art" echoes a sentiment of awe and adoration for God's greatness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
As believers come together to partake in the Lord's Supper, the hymn serves as a fitting accompaniment, inspiring hearts to bow in humble adoration and proclaim the greatness of God. The splendor of "How Great Thou Art" encapsulates the essence of worship and reverence, echoing Paul's call for believers to approach the sacrament with deep reverence and gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ.
Thus, when the church gathers to observe the Lord's Supper, the hymn "How Great Thou Art" becomes more than just a song; it becomes a profound expression of worship, linking the solemnity of the sacrament with the majesty of God's greatness. Together, Paul's charge to the church in Corinth and the splendor of "How Great Thou Art" invite believers to approach the Lord's table with hearts filled with reverence and awe, acknowledging the greatness of God and the significance of Christ's sacrifice for their salvation.