Psalm 98 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 98 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
Verse 2The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
Verse 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Verse 4Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Verse 5Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
Verse 6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Verse 7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
Verse 8Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy
Verse 9at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Devotion
“Seventy-six trombones led the big parade…” It’s a parade of the grandest kind. Marching bands, playing music that make you tap your feet and clap your hands. It arouses and uplifts the spirit of all along the parade route. But, even more, it energizes and inspires those in the band.
The Psalmist invites us into the “big parade” as players and participants. “Sing…a new song!” “Make a joyful noise!” “Sing praises…with the lyre…with trumpets and the sound of the horn!”
Why? The Lord has triumphed and gotten the victory! The Lord has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness! He will judge the world with HIS righteousness and equity. That bodes well for us!
Prayer
O Victorious Lord, bring us this day into your celebration and judge us right with you and each other. Let us sing the victory song you have provided for us! Amen.