Joy to the World!

Scripture Text: Psalm 98

Quotes for Reflection

Marie Curie, Pierre Curie, 1923
All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child.

Tim & Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus
The imagery of the trees and fish praising God (Psalm 96:11–12), with the rivers and the mountains clapping and singing (verse 8), is more than just poetry. Romans 8:18–25 says that nature was made to be far more alive and glorious than it is in its current state. Modern philosophies cannot fathom that the natural world will not come into its own until the human race is made righteous again. Jesus will come to restore this ancient harmony (verse 9). So our future hope is powerful. If rivers and mountains will be like this when he returns, what will we be like (1 John 3:2–3)?

Herbert Boyer, University of Pittsburgh commencement, 2000
Wonder is what sets us apart from other life forms. No other species wonders about the meaning of existence or the complexity of the universe or themselves.

Application Questions

1. How might this psalm lead you to declare the glory of God in everyday life?

2. How does worship help us with a proper understanding of God?

3. How does creation help us better understand the judgement of God?