Joy to the World
from Christmas on SermonAudio Hosted by Jamie Crampton
As you make your way through this morning's bulletin, I have no doubt that your attention will be caught by the several hymns that are traditionally associated with the Christmas season. Yes, I realize it is July not December. What these hymns have in common with the rest of the service, and particularly this morning's sermon text from Psalm 47, is a focus on God's plan of redemption for the nations. All through this morning, we'll read of Jesus' care for "other sheep that are not of this fold" (John 11:16) and His rule over the entire "kingdom of this world" (Revelation 11:16). We'll hear the command for "all peoples" to rejoice (Psalm 47:1) because "God reigns over the nations" (Psalm 47:8) and that our various heritages are chosen for us by Him (Psalm 47:4). We'll hear the declaration that "from the rising of the sun to its setting [His] name will be great among the nations" (Malachi 1:11). In response, we sing "Let every kindred, every tribe … crown Him Lord of all," "At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, every tongue confess Him King of glory now," and (even though it isn't December) "He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove." God's plan of redemption has always included the "heirs of gentile thrones" as the "people of the God of Abraham" (Psalm 47:9). The promised Messiah was not merely the hope of a single desert tribe, but the "dear desire of every nation." —Henry C. Haffner
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