Psalm 97: Rejoice in the Lord

​Key verse
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
 
 
Meditation
Today’s psalm of praise summons God’s people to rejoice with gladness and gratitude. 
 
The bidding to rejoice bookends the psalm, first a command to all the earth (vs. 1) and finally a command to God’s righteous people (vv. 12). The Lord’s opening imperative extends to the ends of earth (the coastlands, 1b) and is followed by a promise of judgement (vv. 2-7). Justice and righteousness are the foundation of God’s throne, fire will go before Him to consume His adversaries, melt the mountains, and the gods of the earth will be put to shame. The glory the heavens proclaimed will be seen in the justice that comes in His name.
 
God’s people hear of the Lord’s judgement and respond with gladness and rejoicing (v. 8). God is above all other gods (v. 9) and love for Him is reflected in hatred for evil (v. 10). Light has come, joy fills the hearts of believers (v. 11), and rejoicing results- giving thanks to His holy name.
 
God’s ultimate justice for wickedness and evil fell upon Jesus on the cross. Jesus was consumed to death as an adversary as the mountains shook. He took the shame of our sin so believers can be made righteous in Him. The justice of God is satisfied in Jesus’ sacrifice so the righteousness of God can be given, or imputed, to all who believe.
 
The gospel of King Jesus is for all the earth, our neighbors and the nations. Those who are conquered by the grace of Jesus are summoned to rejoice in His rule with gladness and gratitude!


 
Today’s Reading
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
    and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
    who make their boast in worthless idols;
    worship him, all you gods!
 
8 Zion hears and is glad,
    and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
    because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
    He preserves the lives of his saints;
    he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
    and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
    and give thanks to his holy name!
 
Richly Dwelling
- What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially the reasons to rejoice in the Lord?
 
-Do you see God’s judgement on His adversaries and enemies as good news? Why or why not?
 
-How does the reality of God’s just judgement being satisfied in the sacrifice of Jesus result in rejoicing in your heart while compelling you to share the good news to neighbors and among the nations? Where, specifically, can you participate in this rejoicing?
 
Key verse
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!