Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done
marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for
him. The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness
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
salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break
forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the
lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the
horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! Let the sea roar, and all
that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their
hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for he comes to
judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples
with equity.
(Psalm 98 ESV).
Our reading today calls God’s people to
active expressions of joy. The reason for this is that the Lord “has done
marvelous things.” God’s saving love throughout the ages brings his people to
new lands, new life, and new freedom. And the right response to all this is joy
and rejoicing.
Music is especially well-suited to
rejoicing. Musical melodies and rhythms get into us. They set our mouths to
humming and our toes to tapping. Music involves our bodies, minds, and
emotions. So, fittingly, the psalmist says, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” and
invites the accompaniment of a range of instruments to celebrate the Lord’s
kingship.
This season we should lift songs of joy
to celebrate that we have been reunited with God through Jesus. In him all our
lesser experiences of joy find their eternal source and goal. And beholding him
face to face one day will bring joy that resonates and resounds eternally.
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