PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 98
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.” (Psalm 98:9)
In my experience, talk about the coming Judge does not elicit songs of praise.
Growing up we were warned the Judge was primarily angry, filled with wrath.
I am all for humility and repentance before God and Jesus when they come.
But we are not ‘sinners in the hands of an angry God’.
We are ‘sinners in the hands of a loving God’, as Jesus showed us.
His love includes anger at sin and rebellion and folly, but it remains love.
To the very end He does not want anyone to perish, but to be restored to life.
Everything Jesus does is designed to open our eyes, to show us the seriousness of sin!
Jesus’s suffering and death show us how horrible sin is, what we are capable of.
But the cross also reveals God’s love for sinners AND God’s anger and judgment on sin.
Yes, our Judge is coming, and will not embrace those that do not want to be embraced.
Those who persist in desiring evil over God will get their heart’s desire.
Those who refuse to repent will not experience God’s loving kingdom.
Those who don’t want to sing won’t be forced to BUT humble, hopeful sinners will want to!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that you are angry at sin and its devastating consequences. Thank you for loving me and taking the curse of sin for me and from me. Thank you for being a Judge that makes me want to sing!
Lord help my memory and faithfulness be modeled after you! Help me remember your goodness and shout to you in praise even in the toughest times!
This Psalm has pictures of the salvation that God orchestrated for the Israelites as they went through the red sea with Pharaoh right behind them. All nations surrounding heard about it – and Marian led the singing and dancing of praise. All the ends of the earth also needs to hear the gospel – of the salvation God has worked out for us through Jesus Christ – because there will come a time of judgement and it’s only a missing heartbeat away. I celebrate God’s salvation today – so I need not fear – I may sing and clap my hands in thanksgiving!
The Lord has made remembered His love and faithfulness revealing His plan of salvation. Therefor all can make a joyful noise of praise in their new life. Even the creation is joy filled – no longer groaning. God’s people have new life, new minds, new direction because of His salvation. As the creation is free so are His people through the blood of Christ. PTL.
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing, I will sing,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness,
With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness to all generations,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.