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
In the U.S. today is election day, halfway between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. It is a day that brings joy to millions of Americans in part because after today we won’t be inundated by political commercials. Obviously, there is mercy in this world, as well as in the next. Yet seriously, we must never forget that free elections are made possible by the victories that have been won by those who went before us. So, we can rejoice with the psalmist today over freedom. Whether it is like the psalmist’s celebration of the release from slavery to the Egyptians, or being released by God’s mercy from our sin, we have much to sing about. Empowered by the freedom given us by the Holy Spirit, may we get beyond our sinful human nature that isolates us from God and one another. We all must admit we stand before God who will someday judge the world with righteousness and bring all things to God’s self.
Prayer
Uniting God, help us get beyond our narrow personal commitments so that we can work with all people for the good of all. Amen.