Qualified


       So, is there anything that we have done that has qualified us for the position of praising 

God and declaring His greatness? Could there be anyone who through the perfection of their 

conduct has earned the right to present themselves as one who praises or worships God as Lord, 

King, Savior and friend? This is the question raised in Psalm 106.
			

Psa 106:2 But who on earth can do it-- declaim GOD's mighty acts, broadcast all his praises? (The 

Message)


       
	In verses 6-43 the psalmist presents an extensive list of reasons why God should not 

receive the praise and worship of the people of Israel. Over and over, again and again they 

failed to be faithful to the One who loved and provided everything they would ever need. Though 

they might turn to Him for awhile, they were always returning to their sin and failure. It is 

made quite clear that their sins were many and their destruction well-deserved. In this 

awareness, though, there must also be an understanding that the volume of their transgressions 

was not the disqualifying element, but that the existence of even one failure would in itself 

exclude them from the right to be in His presence and worshiping Him.The answer to this daunting 

question of who might be worthy is answered before he presents it in verse 1 and then again at 

the end of the chapter:



Psa 106:1 Hallelujah! Thank GOD! And why? Because he's good, because his love lasts.


Psa 106:44 Still, when God saw the trouble they were in and heard their cries for help,

Psa 106:45 He remembered his Covenant with them, and, immense with love, took them by the hand.

Psa 106:46 He poured out his mercy on them while their captors looked on, amazed.

Psa 106:47 Save us, GOD, our God! Gather us back out of exile So we can give thanks to your holy 

name and join in the glory when you are praised!

Psa 106:48 Blessed be GOD, Israel's God! Bless now, bless always! Oh! Let everyone say Amen!   

Hallelujah!

        
	The only part we have to play in this privilege of honoring Him is the mere turning to 

Him with a cry for mercy and help. It is only His love, mercy, grace, and willingness to actually 

take us by the hand that qualifies us for this honor, and we never grow in our perfection to the 

point of not requiring this. Through His love He makes available salvation, peace of mind, 

restoration, joy, provision and purpose to every undeserving one of us. His love makes us worthy, 

and living in this reality not only qualifies us, but causes us to respond with heart-felt 

adoration and praise instead of just meaningless fulfillment of duty.
       
	There is an answer for this day in turning to Him with a cry for mercy and help, and there 

is a position provided right by His side in honoring Him for His love.


1/24/04