Psalm 97:1-12

God is King of all that is, all that has been and all that ever will be.  His sovereignty is absolute and there is no one who can be compared to Him.  In light of His glory there are two basic responses that man has demonstrated: some have turned from the Lord and refused to worship Him; while others submit to the Lord and rejoice in the honor of knowing and worshiping Him.  The response of man to the glory of God does not threaten Him in any way, but it does have a dramatic effect on the plight of man.  We are responsible to respond to the revelation of God.  When we respond with worship our lives will be full of rejoicing.  When we respond with idolatry we will be covered in shame.

THE GLORY OF GOD BRINGS JUSTICE FROM GOD: The fact that God reigns over the earth should bring great joy to the inhabitants of the world.  All of nature and all men should rejoice under the kingship of our God.  His is a just reign and He is surrounded by righteousness. Too often our human leaders are surrounded by corruption.  He is full of glory and truth.  He judges the wicked with fire and He rewards the righteous with the light of His presence.  Nobody can stand against the will and the work of the Lord.  His glory is evident and it will ultimately bring complete justice to this entire world.

THE WORSHIP OF IDOLS BRINGS JUDGMENT FROM GOD: God has revealed Himself to all of the world.  His creation shouts out to all of the glory of God.  However, many men reject the glory of God revealed in creation and prefer to worship idols.  Idolatry will always result in judgment from God.  They will be put to shame and suffer under the judgment of God.  All the “gods” of this world cannot compare to the greatness and power of God.  He is the only sovereign of the universe and we fail to worship Him at our own peril.


THE LOVE OF GOD BRINGS JOY FROM GOD: In stark contrast to those who worship idols; those who love and fear the Lord are filled with joy that flows from the very heart of God.  He is faithful to preserve and protect us as well as make all provisions for our lives.  However, the greatest gift that He bestows upon His worshipers is joy.  In Him we can find forgiveness of our sin and former idolatry so that we can truly enjoy our lives spent in honoring His name.  He shares His righteousness with us so that we can rejoice with Him.  Worship is the only path that leads to pure and complete joy. 

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