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.
Thursday, December 19’s devotional. “Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn, shout triumphantly in the presence of the Lord, our King” (Psalm 98:4-6, CSB).
Psalm 98 commands joyful worship. This isn’t a timid suggestion; it’s a jubilant call to lift our voices in unrestrained praise before the Lord, our King. The psalmist uses imperatives like ‘shout,’ ‘be jubilant,’ and ‘sing.’ This is corporate, enthusiastic worship, acknowledging God’s kingship. Worshiping our King should be vibrant and filled with joy.
Why such exuberance? Because our King reigns! Mark explains, “Psalm 98 is one of the Kingship Psalms, celebrating the Lord as King over all creation. The instruments mentioned—lyres, trumpets, and ram’s horns—reflect the grandeur of royal celebrations in ancient Israel.” Our worship reflects the glory of a King who is worthy of the highest praise.
In verse 6, we’re called to “shout triumphantly in the presence of the Lord, our King.” Jesus, the King of kings, has triumphed over sin and death. Revelation 19:16 declares, “And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” When we worship, we celebrate His eternal rule and His victory. Our joy in worship should reflect our joy in the salvation Jesus secured for us.
At Benoni Baptist Church, we believe in “the direct lordship of Christ over every believer.” Worship is a response to His authority in our lives. Our Church covenant also calls us to “strive to be consistent and regular in fellowship, corporate worship, prayer, and instruction of the whole counsel of God’s Word.” This means our joyful worship isn’t reserved for Sunday mornings; it can be part of our daily lives.
How can you incorporate more joyful worship into your day? Perhaps you start your morning with a worship song or pause at lunch to thank God for His reign. We worship because He saved us, because He is our King, and because He is coming again. Joyful worship springs from hearts that recognize these truths.
Today, listen to or sing a song that celebrates God’s kingship. Let your voice rise in joyful praise, reflecting the reign of Jesus, the King who rules with truth and grace.
Prayer:
Lord, You are my King, and I worship You with joy. Fill my heart with praise and help me rejoice in Your reign today. 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.