Joy To The World!

Joy To The World! That is what Isaac Watts heard in his heart when he read Psalm 98. It was from the context of this Psalm that he found the inspiration for what has become a classic Christmas Carol. I am not sure that it was the Christmas story that he had in mind when he wrote the words to the hymn - someone has suggested that it is more a “kingdom hymn”, and that Watts was describing the second coming of Christ and the Messianic kingdom that he saw in Psalm 98.

Psalm 98 begins with an exhortation to sing a new song of praise because the Lord has brought about a deliverance for his people that is so awesome that the proper response is brand new words of praise and worship.

By the time we get to verse 4 the Psalmist declares that what the Lord has done in terms of bringing salvation calls for all the nations to lift their voices and play their musical instruments in celebration for the King and his wonderful works.

Verses 7-9 tells us that all creation joins in the song of praise because of the glorious expectation we have in the fact that the LORD is going to judge the world . . . One day every wrong will be made right . . . every injustice will be avenged.

The Psalmist wants us to know that we have great reason to sing and rejoice in our God. I realize it is August, but may the words of Joy To The World ring in your heart today . . . Darlene Zschech would have you sing her great song,

Shout To The Lord

All the earth let us sing

Power and majesty

Praise to the King

Mountains bow down

And the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name

I sing for joy

At the work of Your hands

Forever I'll love You

Forever I'll stand

Nothing compares to the promise

I have in You

Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year

Thursday  August 5, 2010   2 Chronicles 17-18 & Psalm 98

Friday      August 6, 2010   2 Chronicles 19-20 & Psalm 99

Saturday  August 7, 2010   2 Chronicles 21-22 & Psalm 100

Sunday    August 8, 2010   2 Chronicles 23-24 & Psalm 101

Monday   August 9, 2010   2 Chronicles 25-26 & Psalm 102:1-17

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