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.
Friday, December 20’s devotional. “Let the sea and all that fills it, the world and those who live in it, resound. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains shout together for joy before the Lord” (Psalm 98:7-8, CSB). Psalm 98 invites us to witness creation itself praising the Lord. The sea roars, rivers clap their hands, and mountains shout for joy. This passage is a beautiful reminder that God’s glory resonates throughout the natural world.
Creation reflects God’s power and majesty. The apostle Paul declares in Romans 1:20, “For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.” When you observe a sunrise, the roar of the ocean, or the grandeur of a mountain range, you are seeing the fingerprints of the Creator. Creation is a witness to God’s greatness, and it joins in the chorus of worship.
In Psalm 98, nature anticipates the Lord’s righteous judgment and ultimate restoration. Mark explains, “The sea roaring and rivers clapping their hands point forward to a day when all creation will be set free from its bondage to decay.” Romans 8:19-21 reinforces this hope: “For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed…the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay.” Our worship today joins with creation’s longing for that final redemption.
At Benoni Baptist Church, we acknowledge the Lord’s universal kingship: “The Church is responsible for preaching the Gospel and for demonstrating and making known God’s will and care for all mankind.” As stewards of creation, we honor God when we care for the world He made. Our Church covenant encourages us to “proclaim the gospel,” and part of that proclamation is recognizing and celebrating God’s work in creation.
How does creation around you declare God’s glory? Perhaps it’s the rustling leaves of a tree, a star-filled sky, or the rhythm of a river. Take time today to step outside, observe God’s handiwork, and praise Him. When we join creation in worship, we declare that Jesus reigns as King and is coming to make all things new.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the beauty of creation that declares Your glory. Help me to see Your handiwork and join in the song of praise. 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.