Passage: Psalm 98
The Big Idea
Psalm 98 calls for a new song because His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. God has made His salvation known before the nations and remembered His mercy and faithfulness. So all the earth breaks out in joyful noise: harps, trumpets, roaring seas, clapping rivers and singing hills, because He is coming to judge the world with righteousness.
Reflections
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory (v. 1). In the past You’ve blown me away with Your faithfulness. Why would now be different? Because of my sin? No. I was a sinner then too. I know You better now, and my sin has been washed away in Jesus’ blood. It’s Your right hand and Your holy arm that win. This trial is about You, not me. I can simply trust You. It’s Your reputation on the line, and I want Your name exalted.
The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations (v. 2). You’re active, revealing, good and saving. Make me a mouthpiece for Your salvation. Forgive my passivity and prayerlessness. I’ll ask and depend on You even more.
He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness (v. 3). You never forget me. You always know more than I do and always care. You forgive rebellion, pursue me when I stray and provide all my days.
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song (vv. 4-6). It’s commanded, so I’ll obey. But worship should never be forced; the only response that matters comes from the heart. And notice: this is about God’s salvation and judgment, yet it isn’t somber. It’s joyful!
Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth (vv. 7-9). Looking forward to His coming is everything we need. On that day His righteousness will be revealed in His beloved children, however messed up we’ve been. You never change, but You change everything. When You come, You heal, love and gather Your own. Until then, save more, and use me.
Grace Takeaway
The victory was never ours to win. His right hand and holy arm have already gained it, at the cross and the empty tomb. That’s why His coming is cause for joy, not dread. Sing a new song.
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