Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 98-99
This Psalm challenges us to sing to the Lord a “new song”. He has done so many things for us and His mercies are new every morning, so why shouldn’t we have a new song of praise for Him. One of the key reasons we can have a new song for each new day is that His strong arm of salvation is something that can carry us through each day. I am amazed with some of the great new worship songs that are continually coming out on Christian radio. Sometimes they are not the style or sounds that I am used to, but for most the words are honoring and praising the Lord. Sometimes the Lord brings new meaning to a familiar song as I go from day to day.
One of the joys of being the Pastor of a small church is being able to match the music of our worship services with the messages I preach. It continually amazes me how the Lord brings songs to mind as I prepare my sermons. Many times I change the songs as I study because the Lord brings an old song fresh to my mind, or a new song brings enlightenment to my heart. I have also changed a few words to songs to match the meaning of our thoughts for the day. Never forget the salvation that God has made known to all the nations, and the loving faithfulness to His children.(vs. 1-3) The world cannot doubt the righteousness and salvation that God has shown to us through the years.
This passage also mentions that we are to make the music of praise from our hearts with instruments. We have the harp, horns (probably rams horns), and voices all coming together to make beautiful, joyful music to our God and King! I have had the privilege and honor of playing in an orchestra with a 300 voice choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus and 4,000 + people standing in honor of our Great Savior. I can still feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up remembering the glorifying praise being shared together. I have also had a new worship song come out and being brought to tears of praise and joy as I listen to words that speak to my heart and allow my heart to worship the Lord in a new way. I am so happy that there will be the greatest music in heaven and we get glimpses of that here on earth.(vs. 4-6)
The description of the sea, river, and mountains clapping their hands and bringing the sound of worship continually to the ears of the Lord is a picture that I can have as I am in His marvelous creation. The greatest worship should come from our hearts and lips as we live in His promises daily. Psalms 98:9 …. “for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”
Father, I ask that You would continually give me a new song in my heart for the great salvation and powerful provision that you have blessed me with. I understand that sometimes I must sound like a funeral dirge instead of a voice of praise. Help me to live in the power and joy of Your promises so that my voice may be like Your creation and continually praise and honor Your holy name. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob
Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 99
For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods. For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth, Thou art exalted far above all gods. I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord. I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord. (worship chorus by Pete Sanchez Jr.) Basically, “exalt” represents either the “state of being on a higher plane” or “movement in an upward direction.”(Vine’s) When I read Psalms 99 and see the picture of the Lord reigning from His throne room, surrounded by cherubim, I begin to recognize how far above all things my Lord really is. It should cause me to tremble at the thought of this Lord loving and caring for me enough to die on the cross to save me and allow me to come into His presence. (vs. 1-2) The amazing thing is that He chose to come to earth for me. He left that exalted perfect throne room to provide salvation for the whole earth if they but place their faith and trust in Him.
The reasons that we worship and exalt Him are listed in verses 3-5: 3 Let them praise Thy great and awesome name; Holy is He. 4 And the strength of the King loves justice; Thou hast established equity; Thou hast executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; Holy is He.(NAS) “Holy Lord, most holy Lord, You alone are worthy of my praise; O holy Lord, most holy Lord, with all of my heart I sing: Great are You, Lord, Great are You Lord; Great are You Lord, Great are You Lord, most holy Lord.” (Worship Chorus: Great Are You Lord, by Steve and Vicki Cook) In verses 6-8 we have a mini history lesson on God’s faithfulness to His people through Moses and Aaron in the wilderness and Samuel as he led them into the kings of Israel. God revealed Himself to them in the cloud, led them, provided for them, heard and answered their prayers, even when they deserved His judgment. We are reminded that God “was a forgiving God to them, and {yet} an avenger of their {evil} deeds.”(vs. 8) God was able through His grace and mercy, provided by His Son, Jesus Christ, to be both forgiving and holy in His actions against their sin. It is because of this that verse 9 is so meaningful: Psalms 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for holy is the LORD our God.(NAS) Father, You are worthy of all glory honor and praise! Your name is high and holy! You deserve to be exalted above all things. The thought that You would love and care for me is beyond my comprehension. I humbly bow before You and thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. You have been with me even when I deserved judgment. Thank You for Your forgiveness and even for Your discipline in my life when I sin. May I never lose the awe of Your holiness. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob