By John Richardson
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 96:1–6
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
OBSERVATION
Today we need a song of praise. All the news outlets, social media platforms, and personal conversation is focused on the uncertain future. We also can get caught up into the chaos of a new disease and lose sight of what God is doing and who God is. Psalm 96 focuses our attention back on God and moves our heart to one of praise. A new song is not words on a sheet that have never been sung; a new song is a new path of worship that hasn’t been shared or understood till now. The song is ascribing praise to God and also bringing each believer back to the central mission: gospel advancement.
- We bless the name of God and tell of His salvation from day to day. Not meeting each week has one positive—it reminds us that church/worship is not just on Sundays. Jesus is bigger than Sundays. Jesus’ message of salvation needs to be shared from day to day. God’s Word here shows that we are called to tell people about salvation every day (v. 2).
- The message of salvation is both a personal story of how God has saved us and a declaration of God’s work across the world (v. 3). Each day God is doing marvelous things, things that we as believers are invited into and able to share.
- We have to see the why behind the what. Instead of just walking away thinking about how to share the gospel, verse 4 shows that God is greatly to be praised because He is feared above all other gods. God should be greatly praised. We don’t just share the gospel because we are told to; we share the gospel because God is worthy of people’s praise. When we share the works of God among people, we hope that people will become Christ-followers and praise God daily in obedience.
- When comparing God to other gods—gods of personal treasure, corner offices, places of satisfaction/security, etc.—these gods are all nothing compared to the God who made the heavens. Therefore, we are able to step away from security, treasure, and satisfaction in other things to obey God and praise Him. The conclusion of our passage narrows our gaze to love God above all and to share His love with others.
OBEDIENCE
Living God has given us a chance to reflect on who He is and what He does. Many people are stuck at home with more time than usual, but we can redeem that time to praise God. We have a chance to open God’s Word and carry on the mission. Not gathering each week does not end the mission of God; we are called to scatter to the nations.
- Who around you does not know Christ? Reach out to them this week trying to meet needs and share the gospel. People are open to hearing a message of hope.
- Set up a time to worship each day. Create a list to reflect on the wonder of God, and use this list for encouragement to share the gospel with your family/neighbors.
- Send out letters to those on your streets and your contact list, telling them about the God you worship. Share with them what God is doing in your life right now. Share how God has saved you. Ask how you can help serve them. Do this via letter/email/or phone call.
PRAYER
Pray for power to share the gospel with others. Pray that God will open the hearts of those who will hear your words. Pray back the passage of Psalm 96 to God, affirming His truth and Word as you go.
