INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 98, Luke 1:46-55
Psalm 98 is the 5th of the ROYAL PSALMS; but it is also a PROPHETIC PSALM, like a number of others, proclaiming the coming of our LORD, KING AND JUDGE - JESUS CHRIST.
The first verses tell of the "VICTORY & SALVATION" of Jesus our Redeemer.
The second part of this bold and lively song celebrates these victories and the "the joy we can have as people who are redeemed." Some Jewish people might see it as a "Coronation Hymn", proclaiming the conquering King. Verse 9 specifically talks about Jesus, our coming Judge, who with fairness, will decide who will live in eternal life with Him.
"He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, who keep on seeking after their glory, honour and immortality that God offers." Romans 2:7 (NLT)
The promises in Psalm 98 were again expressed in "Mary the Magnificant's Song of Praise", when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who backed up what the angel had said to her about her immaculate pregnancy. Mary was overjoyed and excited at this confirmation that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Lord and Messiah.
"Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honoured that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy." Luke 1:42 (NLT)
Mary worshipped in the Spirit, as she soaked up the Scriptural prophecies of David, about her coming Son. Psalm 98 was indeed one of these prophetic truths. She "rejoices in the God of her salvation." She "magnified the Lord and exalted His name". She sang like David, rejoicing in how she, her people, and the world, would benefit from the life and death of her Son, the Saviour, Lord and King.
"For He made this promise to our Ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever."
Luke 1:55 (NLT)
PRAISE THE LORD OUR REDEEMER - Read Psalm 98:1-3, Luke 1:47 -77
A symbol of redemption is a 'NEW SONG'. Jesus is our REDEEMER and in these verses we are taught how and why to praise the Lord for:
* THE WONDERS HE HAS DONE.
* THE VICTORIES HE HAS OVER ALL CONQUESTS.
* THE TRUE GOSPEL FOR ALL PEOPLE.
*THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS PROPHECIES IN THE SCRIPTURES.
THE WONDERS HE HAS DONE
We praise Him particularly for His MIRACLE OF SALVATION. In her Song of Praise, Jesus' mother Mary, "magnified the Lord and exalted His name". She rejoiced in the God of her salvation - her own Son Jesus.
"Mary responded, "Oh how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour."
Luke 1:46 (NLT)
"The salvation which Jesus accomplished is marvellous and beyond degrees, and deserves a NEW SONG." Charles Spurgeon
THE VICORY HE HAS OVER ALL CONQUESTS
Our Redeemer Jesus Christ has overcome everything that has stood in His way. He gained VICTORY by HIS OWN POWER. The energy of Jesus is RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTICE AND TRUTH; and it is through Him that WE HAVE LASTING VICTORY over the powers of evil. God sent His Holy Spirit through His Son Jesus to overcome sin and evil, and "his right hand and holy arm have gotten Him the victory".
"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the ONE who is in you is GREATER than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
"For the Mighty One has done great things for me - HOLY IS HIS NAME." Luke 1:49 (NLT)
"The Lord has demonstrated His holy power before the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will see the VICTORY OF OUR GOD." Isaiah 52:19
"So Christ fought our battles with His right hand and He did it with ease, with strength and infinite wisdom." Charles Spurgeon
THE GOSPEL TO ALL PEOPLE
Forgiveness of sins and salvation is the basis of which Jesus' life, death and resurrection are founded.
Zechariah's prophecy of his son John, Jesus' cousin, was that he would prepare people for the coming of Jesus. He would preach about repentance, forgiveness and salvation - the true gospel - and then would baptize believers.
Jesus not only died and rose again as OUR REDEEMER AND SAVIOUR, but He wants to make known that His TRUE GOSPEL "is to be made known to the whole earth."
"And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High. because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell His people how to find salvation through the forgiveness of sins."
Luke 1:76&77
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward Him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, "A man is coming after me who us far greater than I am, for He existed long before me. I did not recognize Him as the Messiah, to obey but I have baptizing with water so that He might be revealed to Israel." John 1:29-31 (NLT)
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of my Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew28:19-20
THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECIES
Mary knew that her son Jesus was the fulfilment of the prophecies and the promises in the Old Testament about the Messiah - the KING OF KINGS, The greatest thing we know about God and His Son Jesus are HIS MERCY AND GRACE, for it is only through them that we can be saved, not by works of our own.
"But God is RICH IN MERCY, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved)......God saved you BY HIS GRACE when you believed, and you can't take credit for this; it is a GIFT FROM GOD." Ephesians 2:4, 5&8 (NLT)
"Jesus Christ, our King, lived a marvellous life, died a marvellous life, rose and ascended into Heaven marvellously." Charles Spurgeon
SING PRAISES AND SHOUT FOR JOY - Read Psalm 98:4-8
The setting for the Kingdom of King Jesus - the Messiah is represented in JOY and PRAISE. Loud HOSANNAS were sung to the Lord as they welcomed the "EXALTED KING AND CONQUERING SAVIOUR". They lifted up their hands in worship "for the more you are in IN LOVE WITH JESUS the more you want to EXTOL HIM."
People would rejoice in praise and worship accompanied by SACRED MUSIC of the GENTLE HARP of the Levites and the LOUD CELEBRATIONS of the TRUMPET AND RAMS HORNS played by the Priests. These were the instruments in use among the Jews and their Religious Leaders. They represented the virtues of God and His Son Jesus - JUSTICE, STRENGTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PURITY. They were employed not only for worship, but 'heartily loud' for joyful praise. This happens no more often than at the "Coronation of a Divine King;" in the reign of Jesus Christ - the King of Kings.
"Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. with trumpets and the sounds of rams horns. Make joyful symphony before the Lord, the King." Psalm 98:5-6
"The harp and the voices made with sweetness, while the trumpets and the horns added strength, majesty and energy, combined in the worship of God." Chales Spurgeon
"Say if your hearts are tuned to sing;
Is there a subject greater?
Harmony all it's strain may bring
BUT JESUS'S NAME SWEETER.
What of His love doth one partake,
He ever rejoices?
Melody in our hearts we make
MELODY WITH OUR VOICES."
Charles H Spurgeon
Creation is now called to give God it's praise and to "sing the songs of joy." SEAS, RIVERS AND HILLS are all brought into the worship team with joyful sounds. This praise should come from all who dwell in creation, EVERY LIVING CREATURE.
"Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy." Psalm 98:8
CONCLUSION - JESUS IS OUR COMING JUDGE - Read Psalm 98:9
The strong and "marvellous things" that God has done, in which we praise, have also been through His Son Jesus.
"He will judge the world through JUSTICE and the nations with FAIRNESS." Psalm 96:9b
In the ancient world justice was rare. The idea of coming judgement with equity was a great relief for God's children, especially those who were oppressed and denied justice.
"Jesus promises to be a FAIR JUDGE, but only if we promise to LOVE AND OBEY HIM. When He judges, HE FORGIVES, and He takes awayy the bad things we have done. He will give us help to love and obey Him." Gordon Churchyard
Who then will condemn us? No one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of hpnour at God's right hand." Romans 8:1&2, 3&4 (NLT)
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation" (2015), Tyndale House Publishing
Churchyard, Gordon, "Psalm 98 - The Fifth Royal Psalm", (2000), www.easyenglish.bible
Guzik, David, "Psalm 98 - A New Song for His Marvellous Things" (2020), ewe.enduringword.com
Guzik Davi, "Luke 1 - The Birth of John the Baptist" (2018) EnduringWord
Hunter, J, "Magnificat." (2021), Wikipedia.
Matthew, Henry & Manser, Martin H, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", (2002), Zondervan
Spurgeon, Charles H, "The Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms" (1885/2021), Christianity.com
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