FORMIDABLE RULER-Psalm 97-98

Video (10/13/24): FORMIDABLE RULER (Psalm 97-98).

Righteousness and Justice: “Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” “Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, Lord” (Ps 97:2, 8).

Formidable Fearsome Majesty (Psalm 97): “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” “For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods” (Ps 97:1, 9).

King and Judge (Psalm 98): “…let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge [rule] the earth. He will judge [rule] the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Ps 98:9).

The Lord reigns/Yahweh is king [The Real King of kings]

1. King to be feared (Psalm 97:1-5).
2. King above all gods (Ps 97:6-9).
3. King of Righteousness (Ps 97:10-12).
4. King of Salvation (Psalm 98:1-3). God’s victory: righteous salvation of the worshipping community.
5. King of the World (Ps 98:4-6). Man’s victory: status as King of all the earth.

6. King of Nature (Ps 98:7-9). Nature’s victory. “He will judge [rule] the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Ps 98:9b).

How do you live your life to reflect that God is the true King of the world from Psalm 97-98? To live a life of holiness, righteousness and justice:

1. Fear God (Psalm 97:1-5).
2. Forsake idols (Ps 97:6-9).
3. Hate evil (Ps 97:10-12).
4. Make Salvation known (Psalm 98:1-6).
5. Enjoy, not exploit nature(Ps 98:7-9).

How does Psalm 97-98 point to Christ?

* “…righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” “The heavens proclaim his righteousness…” “He will judge the world in righteousness…” (Ps 97:2, 6; 98:9).

> “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” (1 Pet 3:18). 2 Cor 5:21.

* “The Lord reigns” (Ps 97:1). “Yahweh is King” yet…

> “Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing” (Phil 2:5-7).

> “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne” (Rev 5:4-5).

> “…they crucified him…” (Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:33; Jn 19:18).

Ø Even in the utter “defeat” of the Cross, God won the final victory.

Psalm 97–a majestic hymn celebrating God’s sovereignty and righteousness as the real King of kings–depicts God as a powerful ruler over all creation, with themes of divine judgment and the call for all people to worship Him.

Personal application:

1. Rejoice in God’s rule (Ps 97:1-2, 6, 10-12): Find joy in knowing that a just and righteous God is in control.
2. Reject idolatry (Ps 97:7, 9): Examine your life for things/idols that may be taking God’s place.
3. Seek righteousness (Ps 97:10): Align your actions and thoughts with God’s standards.
4. Witness God’s glory (Ps 97:3-6): Look for signs of God’s majesty in nature and daily life.

Practical illustrations and real-life examples for key themes in Psalm 97:

1. God is sovereign over nature (Ps 97:1-6): When you consider a hurricane, thunderstorm, tornado, dark clouds, flashes of lightning, rumbling thunder does it display God’s majesty and power over creation? Have you experienced witnessing a sunrise from a mountaintop, feeling overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of creation?

2. Shame of idol worshippers (Ps 97:7): How quickly human-made icons can fall. A celebrity once idolized by millions can rapidly lose favor due to a scandal. A person realizing their obsession with career success was taking priority over relationships and spiritual growth, leading to a re-evaluation of their priorities.

3. Light shines/dawns for the righteous (Ps 97:11): When struggling through a difficult time–job loss, illness–do you keep faith and wait in hope to see positive changes in your life? Have you overcome any addiction or temptaion until “light breaks through the darkness” in your life?

4. Rejoicing in the Lord (Ps 97:12): Do we come together as a community to give thanks for God’s provision, celebrating with music, dance, and shared meals? Can we organize a community service day to work together on projects to help neighbors, embodying our gratitude to God through action?

5. God as the righteous judge (Ps 97:8-9): Have you encountered a just verdict in court which brings relief to victims and consequences to wrongdoers? What are your sentiments toward environmental activist groups who campaign for stricter pollution controls? Would it align with God’s desire for justice and care for creation?

Psalm 98 is a joyful song of praise, celebrating God’s salvation, righteousness and coming judgment. Some practical illustrations and real-life examples of key themes:

1. Sing a new song (Ps 98:1, 5): Have you composed a heartfelt piece after a transformative life event that captures and expresses your faith journey, healing and new perspective?
2. Make God’s salvation known (Ps 98:2-3): Do you excitedly share good news with friends and family, unable to contain your joy and gratitude? Can you recount stories of lives changed in those you served and guided?

5. Shout with joy and praise (Ps 98:4-6): Are you fully engaged in worship?
6. Nature’s praise (Ps 98:4, 7-8): Have you encountered serenity by the ocean, with waves rhythmically crashing on the shore, as if the sea is clapping? Have you felt as though nature is praising the Creator?
7. God’s righteous judgment (Ps 98:9): Have you celebrated just and fair judgements and verdict with joy?

Communal application:

1. Corporate worship: Gather to praise God’s greatness and holiness together.
2. Social justice: Work towards a society that reflects God’s righteousness.
3. Environmental stewardship: Care for creation as a response to God’s lordship over nature.
4. Global evangelism: Share the message of God’s rule with all nations.