Jesus throughout the Scriptures: Psalms 5 (6)
Pray Psalm 97.1, 9.
The LORD reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!
For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
Sing Psalm 97.1, 9.
(Darwall: Rejoice, the Lord is King)
Rejoice, the LORD is King! O earth, lift up your voice;
Be glad, you islands, shout and sing: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Refrain v. 9
Beyond, above
all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!
Read Psalm 97.1-12; meditate on verses 10-12.
Preparation
1. Who has joy and gladness?
2. Who should fear and tremble?
Meditation
The Lord Jesus Christ reigns in joy and gladness (vv. 1, 8, 11, 12). Saints and angels shouted at His ascension (Ps. 47). Saints and angels sing continuously in joy and gladness before His heavenly throne (Rev. 4, 5). Saints in every age and place sing with joy and gladness because Jesus is exalted and reigns over all (v. 9). In the light of Jesus’ reign and of His revelation throughout Scripture, the saints of God cannot help but know joy and gladness (v. 11).
Joy describes the consequence of the coming of the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom, the rule of King Jesus, brings righteousness, so that love, justice, civility, caring, compassion, kindness, and many other virtues flourish and abound.
The rule of Jesus brings peace to the world, that shalom of God in which fear and dread and sadness, while they may yet remain, are nonetheless mitigated and overcome by the peace of God which passes all understanding.
The consequence issuing from this righteousness and peace is joy (Rom. 14.17, 18), that overall sense of wellbeing in which hope and true happiness abound. We who have been called to the Kingdom and glory of God, who have been translated into that glorious heavenly realm, and who seek it in all things, we are the joy-bringers to our world. Those who are yet in rebellion against God will tremble and be put to shame (vv. 3, 4, 7); we who rejoice in the Kingdom of Jesus hate the sins of the world and entrust our soul to the Lord (vv. 10, 11). He brings us joy and gladness and we bring joy and gladness to the world.
Let us embrace this charge and mandate daily, that the joy and gladness of Christ’s rule may be tasted more consistently and deeply by people everywhere.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Joy and gladness in our King and Savior sometimes look far more foreboding than is suggested by rainbows, bunnies, balloons, and flowers. We mistakenly think that joy in the LORD is all gooey and happy-clappy; and that if we are not on top-of-the-world with giddiness, we are not really saved. God says differently:
“Clouds and darkness surround Him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about.
His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax at the Presence of the LORD,
at the Presence of the LORD of the whole earth.
The heavens declare His righteousness,
and all the peoples see His glory” (Ps. 97.2-6).
I would much rather serve, obey, and tremble before that God, than the God a lot of Christians create in their own minds. As J.B. Philips wrote, their “God is Too Small”.
Here is a snippet from the dedication of the tabernacle of God in Solomon’s day:
“Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one,
to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD,
and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpet and cymbals and instruments of music,
and praised the LORD, saying:
‘For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,’
that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,
so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud;
for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.
Then Solomon spoke:
‘The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud.
I have surely built You an exalted house,
and a place for You to dwell in forever’” (2 Chron. 5.13-6.2).
We must always remember that “Power belongs to God” (Ps. 62.11) whether found in darkness or light.
We serve the All-Powerful Risen Savior, and it is within His Kingdom and His righteousness that we find joy and gladness. His way, and in His time.
As Jesus taught us to pray:
“For Yours is the kingdom
And the power
And the glory
Forever. Amen” (Matt. 6.13).
“For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods” (Ps. 97.9).
So, “You who love the LORD, hate evil!
“Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and
give thanks at the remembrance of His holy Name” (Ps. 97.10, 12).
As Rich Mullins wrote in his song, Our God is an Awesome God (1988):
“There’s thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists.”
Indeed, there is! And He reigns in joy and gladness.
But as Mullins goes on to say, “His return is very close,
so you better be believing that our God is an awesome God.”
Reflection
1. What is joy? How does joy differ from happiness?
2. How can believers find joy in a God before Whom they tremble and are afraid?
3. How do you expect joy and gladness in the Lord to be visible in you today?
Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God’s holiness. As he hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, he will make a final separation between the person he loves and the sin he hates, and sanctify his people wholly, body, soul, and spirit. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Psalm 97.8-12
Pray Psalm 97.2-12.
Rejoice and give thanks that the Lord Jesus reigns in joy and gladness. Call on Him to surround with His joy and gladness today, and to empower you to share these with others.
Sing Psalm 97.2-12.
(Darwall: Rejoice, the Lord is King)
His just and righteous throne ‘mid clouds and darkness stands;
His fiery wrath consumes His foes in every land.
Refrain v. 9
Beyond, above
all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!
Earth trembles at the sight of Jesus’ holy face;
the mountains melt before His might and praise His grace.
Refrain
The heav’ns above declare His glorious righteousness;
and tribes and peoples everywhere His Name confess.
Refrain
While Zion gladly sings, let all be brought to shame
who to vain idols worship bring and scorn His Name.
Refrain
All you who love the LORD, despise sin’s wicked ways!
Praise Him Who guides us by His Word through all our days.
Refrain
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Psalm 65 reminds us of what a joy it is to know the Lord. Our book, Enjoying God, can help you know more of that joy more of the time. It’s available as a free PDF by clicking here.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
