What does "bring tribute to the One to be feared" mean for believers? Setting of the Phrase Psalm 76:11: “Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to the One to be feared.” • Written by Asaph, celebrating God’s decisive victory over Israel’s enemies • Directed first to Israel, then outward to “all the neighboring lands,” calling every nation to honor the Lord Understanding “The One to be Feared” • “Feared” points to awe-filled reverence, not cringing terror (Psalm 33:8; Proverbs 9:10) • The title underscores God’s holiness, power, and right to judge (Exodus 15:11; Hebrews 12:28-29) • Because He is utterly righteous, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and worship What Is “Tribute”? In the ancient world: • A tangible gift paid by a lesser ruler to a greater king after victory • An acknowledgment of sovereignty and dependence For believers today: 1. Worshipful offerings of the heart, lips, and hands (Hebrews 13:15-16) 2. Material gifts given joyfully for His work (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7) 3. Obedient lives surrendered to His lordship (Romans 12:1-2) Practical Implications for Believers Today • Honor His supremacy—actively confess Christ as Lord in every sphere of life • Submit daily choices—time, talents, finances—to His authority • Guard the vows you make—keep your word before God and people (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) • Support gospel work—local church, missionaries, mercy ministries, all as tribute to Him • Celebrate His victories—testify to answered prayer and deliverance as public praise Heart Attitudes God Desires • Reverence over routine—priority on His holiness rather than mere habit (Isaiah 29:13) • Gratitude over grudging duty—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Wholehearted devotion—“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5) • Confidence in His rule—fear Him, and lesser fears shrink (Psalm 112:1, 7) Scriptures That Echo the Call • 1 Chronicles 16:29: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” • Malachi 1:14—God rebukes half-hearted gifts, underscoring He is “a great King.” • Revelation 4:11—He is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power.” • Philippians 2:10-11—Every knee will bow; tribute will be universal. Living the Lesson This Week • Set aside intentional moments of awe—read a psalm aloud, reflect on His majesty. • Review your commitments—fulfill promises you have made to God and to others. • Identify one concrete offering—an act of generosity, service, or obedience—to present as tribute. • Speak His victories—share a testimony that magnifies “the One to be feared.” |
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