Thoughts for the Day

O sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gained him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He 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....

Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at 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.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Psalm 98 is known as the 'Cantate Domino' (meaning 'O sing to the Lord') and we find it between the Old and New Testament readings for Evensong in the Book of Common Prayer. Its companions, psalm 96 and 97, all look at God as King, but unlike the other two which issue instructions on worship or compare God to idols, this psalm is one of joy and exuberance. One word dominates this psalm - victory. 'Victory' occurs 44 times in the whole of the New Revised Standard Version of the bible, and three times in psalm 98. Today we think of this word as meaning 'success in war', or perhaps in a game, but in the Scriptures it's a much more expressive word meaning 'salvation'. God's people and His enemies are 'saved' - though their ultimate treatment will be different - He is compassionate to His people and corrects His foes.

So Psalm 98 is a song of victory - a song that will greet a King who has achieved salvation for all. For Christians this victory was achieved through God's Son, Jesus, who came as a human baby to save us from our sin. His ultimate victory will be when He comes again to judge the whole world. In the meantime we sing a song of pure praise to God!

King of the world,
we sing a song of joy and happiness
at Your sovereignty over our world;
that You have achieved the victory
and offered salvation to all
through Your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.