Sunday 12:20:09

There is joy in God’s presence. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 CS Lewis wrote in 1941 and later, in 1942, gave a sermon entitled “The Weight of Glory” about a concern he had with Christians in his day. His concern was that Christians had come to believe that Christianity was more about self-sacrifice than about love. His fear was that Christianity had become a begrudging work rather than a joyful relationship with God. Psalm 98:1-3, 4-6, 7-9 Vv1-3 – Celebration of the Lord’s Deliverance – by the worshipping congregation at the temple V1 – The “new song” celebrates the Lord’s victory. The “marvelous things” the Lord has done – the “wonders” or “miracles” – God’s miraculous deliverance, protection, and providence for the Israelites. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. V2 – He has made known his salvation and his righteousness – to the nations. It is the kindness of God that He reveals His salvation and righteousness - not only in his dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, but ultimately, He made known his salvation and righteousness through His Son. Simeon, the righteous and devout man of God, when he saw Jesus in the temple for Jesus’ consecration said: “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people” Luke 2:30-31 You and I know about God’s salvation because of His kindness to us. You and I were lost and in darkness, but He made His salvation known through His Son. V3 – His love and faithfulness to Israel have been on display for the entire world to see. God’s power is demonstrated for his love and faithfulness to Israel. God’s wonders and power bring glory to Him and blessing to the nations. God shows his power and wonders for a purpose. They are for a reason. He doesn’t do tricks. They bring glory to Him and blessings to us. Vv 4-6 – Worship of the Great King – by all the peoples of the earth All the inhabitants of the earth must prepare themselves for God’s coming by worship: • Shouting for joy, • Bursting into jubilant song (filled with or expressing great joy or triumph) and • Making music Vv 7-9 – Joyful anticipation of God’s Coming – by the whole creation Creation echoes and reverberates the joy of God’s people as they anticipate the coming of the Great King. All of created life in the sea and on the earth sings for joy before the Lord. The Apostle Paul wrote that the creation groans, waiting in anticipation for God’s complete work. One day the creation’s groaning will give way to rejoicing. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Romans 8:19-21) There is joy in God’s presence. There is joy in knowing Him. Matt Chandler’s illustration – I can talk to you about Brenda. I can tell you how great she is. About the cute things she does. How well she takes care of me and our kids. How much she loves me. But that won’t make you fall in love with her. God must be experienced first-hand. Don’t settle for anything less. Remember His wonders that bring Him glory and you blessings. Remember He has made His salvation known to you by His Son Jesus Christ. Remember He is coming to complete His work. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11