This week’s series of blog posts have been created from Mark’s notes rather than a transcript of the sermon. This hopefully will give you additional insight into the passage. You can download Mark’s sermon notes below.
Monday, December 16’s devotional. “Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has performed wonders; His right hand and holy arm have won Him victory” (Psalm 98:1, CSB).
Psalm 98 calls us to sing a new song to the LORD. But why a new song? As Mark Penrith points out, “A new song would sometimes be composed to mark a significant event, such as a military victory, a coronation, or a divine intervention.” God’s wondrous acts of salvation are so remarkable that they demand fresh expressions of praise. Think of it this way: the song of yesterday may not fully capture the wonders God performs today. Each act of His grace, love, and deliverance calls for renewed worship.
The psalmist writes that God “has performed wonders.” These are no ordinary deeds. Mark explains that God’s wonders are “supernatural, marvellous, surpassing acts of salvation.” God intervenes in miraculous ways to achieve His purposes. Just as He delivered Israel from Egypt, He delivers us from sin through Christ. “God, at times, pierces through time, space, and matter, to do whatever He wants, to achieve His own good pleasure.” Isn’t that worth singing about?
Psalm 98 also says God’s “right hand and holy arm have won Him victory.” This is a picture of God as a warrior. Mark describes this beautifully: “The right hand is the hand of power for a warrior. The picture here is God as a warrior who defeats His enemies and secures salvation for His people.” Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of this victory. He defeated sin and death on the cross, securing salvation for all who believe. Acts 4:12 affirms this truth: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
At Benoni Baptist Church, we believe in “believers’ baptism as an act of obedience…and a sign of personal repentance, faith and regeneration.” This public expression of faith is itself a new song — a declaration of God’s wondrous work in our lives. Similarly, the Church covenant reminds us that “under the headship of Christ, we desire to be joined together…as an expression of the Church universal.” Singing a new song to the LORD unites us as a community of believers, proclaiming His marvellous acts.
What new song can you sing today? Reflect on how God has worked in your life recently. Has He answered a prayer, provided for a need, or given you comfort? Don’t let yesterday’s song be your only praise. As Mark urges, “Praise the LORD Jesus who is the Saviour. He is worthy of our worship.”
Prayer:
Lord, You have done marvellous things in my life. Help me to sing a new song of praise today, reflecting Your wonders and salvation. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.