Psalm 148 — A Cosmic Hallelujah — Aneel Aranha 

Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 148 is a clarion call to every corner of creation — from the heights of the heavens to the depths of the earth — to praise God. The Psalmist writes: "Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts."

It doesn't stop there. The psalm also invites the sun, moon, stars, and even watery depths to join this chorus of praise. This idea isn't confined to the celestial bodies; animals, plants, and humans are also invited to join in. It's utterly captivating!

But why is this call for praise so fascinating? Because it paints a picture of a harmonious universe where every element — animate or inanimate — recognizes the Lord's sovereignty!

In an era where there are considerable challenges to the environment, this Psalm invites us to view nature not merely as resources but as fellow worshippers. The trees, animals, stars, and oceans are all fellow participants in a grand symphony of praise.

Switching gears a bit, do you remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem? When the Pharisees asked him to rebuke his disciples for their exuberant praises, Jesus responded: "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40). This resonates with the theme of this psalm! If humanity fails to recognize the Lord's greatness, the rest of creation is ready to pick up the slack.

And why shouldn't it be? The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the entire creation eagerly awaits its redemption, groaning as in the pains of childbirth (Romans 8:22). Just as humans long for salvation and restoration, so does creation aspire for the day when everything will be set right.

It shouldn't be long now.

God bless you.