Monday, 24 April 2017

Psalm 98 - In praise of the righteous Judge

In this Psalm the people of God, the earth and the whole world are urged to praise the Sovereign and Righteous Lord. The right hand and His holy arms, referred to here, are references to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, for He came to execute the work of the Father, completing His mission and completed it victoriously. One day soon He will return to administer His righteous judgement of the world.

In verses 1-3 are five reasons why as His people, everyone on the earth and in the world should praise and worship Him. Firstly, it’s because He has won the victory for His people.  Secondly it’s because He has shown His salvation. Thirdly, it’s because He has made known His righteousness to all the nations. Fourthly, it’s because He had shown mercy and truth to Israel, His own people. Praise God that in Christ we have become His own. Finally, it’s because He has shown the salvation of His own before the world. 

Having exhorted all to praise and worship God, the Psalmist shows how all should come before Him. All should come before Him rejoicing. We should come rejoicing audibly with singing of songs and playing of instruments. In solitude we may remain quietly to listen attentively to Him, but in worship we must not remain silent but to loudly express and declare His praise. The seas, the rivers, and the mountains are all used to personify praises that is due to the Lord. Both the animate and non-animate worlds are created to praise the Lord. We His people have more reasons to praise Him. One very good reason is because He is the Righteous Judge, and He will be present with His people to execute His judgement with righteousness and fairness.

This Psalm anticipates the future. At Christ’s coming all this will become a reality. He, the Righteous Judge, will judge the world with righteousness and fairness. Meanwhile we who know Him must offer Him our worship and praise now. He really deserves it. Make it a point to worship Him daily. Praise the Lord!   

No comments:

Post a Comment