Although, many misunderstood, we should come to acknowledge the eternal truth that Christ did not come to destroy and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 99 describes five characteristics that belong to the nature of God s government. Although space does not permit a comprehensive examination of each characteristic of His sovereignty, I would be remiss not to underscore the emphasis the psalmist places on the study and adherence to God s word. Having accepted the extent and the nature of God s sovereignty, the 99th Psalm suggests that praise and worship is the proper response to His government. The psalmist insists that the reason for such a response is the holiness of God.
Worship is, in the end, the true purpose of life.
It is based on the extent and nature of God s government. It is the acknowledgment of our submission to His will and rule in our lives. I can think of no greater lesson for the family of mankind than to realize that the most important issue in life is one of lordship. Spiritual security belongs to those who acknowledge God s sovereignty and worship at His footstool. While the globe looks to the midnight taxies of might, politics, economics and technology to take it safely into the 99th year of the 20th century, Orthodox faithful should nonetheless seek to follow the advice of the 99th Psalm, a hymn that acknowledges the only true Lord and King . . .