In this sermon, we are reminded that God is both exalted above the heavens and deeply present with the lowly. Psalm 113 declares: “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” He is the God who raises the poor from the dust and seats them with princes, who brings joy to the barren woman and lifts up the needy. Worship is not just about lifting our voices—it is about recognizing the God who sees, hears, and restores those society often overlooks.
But alongside this hymn of praise, Amos 8 confronts us with a sobering warning: God sees when His people exploit the poor, twist justice, and chase profit at the expense of compassion. The prophet condemns those who ask, “When will the new moon be over so we may sell grain?”—revealing hearts more eager for gain than for God. Tabi ties these two texts together: God’s greatness is revealed not in how we rise above others, but in how we treat those who are beneath us.
The challenge is to let our worship and justice walk hand in hand. True praise is not only what we sing on Sunday—it is how we live on Monday. To exalt God is to reflect His heart, lifting up the needy, refusing exploitation, and embodying His mercy in daily life.
Key Takeaways:
- God is high above the heavens, yet He stoops low to raise the poor and the broken.
- Praise is not only words but action—how we treat others reveals whom we truly worship.
- Amos warns us against greed that tramples the needy for gain.
- True worship and justice cannot be separated.
- God delights when His people reflect His mercy and compassion in the world.
- To lift up the lowly is to honor the God who lifted us.
Reflection: Does your worship stop with your songs, or does it continue in how you treat the needy, the lowly, and the marginalized?
