PSALM 97
“The Lord Reigns”
Introduction
This is an “enthronement psalm” declaring the reign of God.
The theme of the psalm is: The Lord reigns in righteousness and glory, calling all to worship, reject idols, and walk in joy and holiness.
The Majesty of the Reigning Lord
97:1–6
We live in a world where kings and kingdoms rise and fall, where uncertainty often rules the headlines. As the Bill Gaither song says: “Kings and kingdoms will all pass away…”.
But Psalm 97 begins with a thundering declaration that silences all doubts: “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice!” (1) God reigns over all of creation. His reign is declared in Psalms 93, 96, 97, and 99, along with 1 Chronicles 16, the Song of David.
As Trinitarians, we also apply this truth to the Lord Jesus. Abraham Kuyper, a Dutch theologian, said: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”
Jesus told his apostles: “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”. (Matthew 28:18) The apostle Paul referred to the kingdom of the Father’s beloved Son, for whom all things were created. (Colossians 1:13, 17) He also said Christ must reign until all his enemies are put under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25)
The reign of God over creation should be a source of rejoicing for us. This is especially true for believers. But the call is for all of the earth to rejoice in God’s reign. The word“coastlands” refers to areas inhabited by the Gentiles. And the time will come when all recognize the reign of God. At the name of Jesus, ever knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
We have previously studied the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. But, this verse 1 also leads us to consider the doctrine of providence. Theologians define the doctrine of providence as God’s continuous involvement with all created things, in such a way that He preserves, governs, and directs everything toward His intended purposes. Providence affirms that God is not distant from the world but actively and sovereignly involved in every detail of life.
Providence reminds us that we are creatures of God, whose lives are not random and meaningless, and that history is God himself working out his sovereign purposes for his own glory and the good of his people.
God reigns in majesty. “Clouds and thick darkness are all around him”. (v. 2) At least 11 times the Bible shows the appearance of the Lord accompanied by clouds, thunder, and lightening. It shows his majesty and power. Here are some of the verses: (1) “There were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain… and Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.” (Exodus 19:16); (2) “A stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually…”. A dramatic vision of God’s throne with storm, fire, and glory. (Ezekiel 1:4); (3) During the Transfiguration of Jesus, “A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son…”; the cloud indicates God’s presence and affirms Jesus’ divine identity. (Matthew 17:5); and (4) “From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder…”. These dramatic scenes show God’s glory and judgment being poured out from heaven. (Revelation 4:5)
God’s rule is righteous and just. Unlike earthly kings who govern with corruption or favoritism, God’s throne is built on righteousness and justice (v. 2). Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness. (6)
God’s power is also reflected in saying the earth trembles, mountains melt, and the heavens declare His glory (vv. 4–6). When the Lord appears, no one can resist him. All of creation acknowledges the One who made it.
This will certainly be truth of Christ’s second coming. The apostle John wrote: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him”. (Revelation 1:7)
The Shame of False Worship
97:7–9
As the heavens proclaim God’s righteousness and all the peoples see his (Yahweh’s) glory, “All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!” (v. 7) In contrast to the all powerful, reigning God, there are idols made by men. They do nothing and, so, are worthless. Those who worship them are put to shame. Christ, at his coming, will humiliate all false gods.
Those who worship unseen idols are the same. Idolatry is foolish. False gods—whether statues, money, fame, or self—cannot stand before the true King. Imagine standing before God at the final judgment trying to justify your worship of a piece of wood, or the pursuit of status, wealth, and success. For God’s supremacy is unmatched. Verse 9 proclaims: “For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” The call, then, is for all who worship idols to repent and turn to God.
God’s people, represented by Zion and Judah, rejoice in the judgments of God and recognize him as being above all idols. (8-9) God’s people exalt God.
The Joy of the Righteous
97:10–12
The closing verses turn to those who love the Lord and seek to live righteously
- God protects His people. “He preserves the lives of his saints” (v. 10).
- Joy is our inheritance. Even in a world of darkness, light is sown like seed for those who walk with God (v. 11).
- The call to holiness is clear. “O you who love the LORD, hate evil!” (v. 10)
Takeaways
- Psalm 97 is a royal psalm—a celebration of God’s reign. It calls us to see the grandeur of our King, reject all rival gods, and live with joy and holiness as His people.
- Worship Him with reverence. He is not a small god. He is the God of fire, thunder, and glory.
- Reject all idols, whether internal or external, nothing else deserves your heart.
- Live with joy and holiness. As citizens of the king, our lives should reflect his righteousness.
- Be thankful. (12)
- Live like people who know who’s really on the throne.
No comments:
Post a Comment