At Christmas time we often think of gifts, both getting them and giving them to others. How about giving a gift to the Lord Jesus, as this day is a celebration of His birth? But what kind of gift can we actually give the Lord? We can’t go to a store, pick out something nice, and then send it to Him. If we’re already saved, and have already given our hearts and lives to Him, what else can we give? One thing that we can give, something which is always appropriate, especially at Christmas, is a gift of praise. Our psalm for this Christmas week is one of praise to the Lord, celebrating His reign, and His righteous judgment over the earth.
As Psalm 97 begins, the author calls for the whole earth to rejoice and be glad in the Lord and the fact that He reigns over the whole earth (vs. 1). Contrary to what many felt during the days of the Old Testament, Yahweh is not just the God of the people of Israel. Instead, He is God over the whole earth, and for all people everywhere. His arms are opened to people of every nation. His reign is a source of joy and confidence for all believers everywhere.
We then turn to a look at the majesty of God’s throne and throne room (vs. 2). Though we often think of God surrounded by light, which He is, here He is also described as being surrounded by darkness, along with clouds. Both darkness and light hide Him from our view (I Timothy 6:16). Because we are lost in sin, we cannot see God. We cannot come to Him on our own. However, because of His grace, God came to us as a babe in Bethlehem. God has called us out of darkness and into His light (I Peter 2:9). As children of Light we are to reflect His light.
God’s throne or reign is set upon certain principles or foundations, those being both righteousness and justice (vs. 2). This highlights God’s moral perfection and His commitment to upholding justice, a justice that will be both righteous and fair.
We also see that fire and lightning are present in Yahweh’s throne room (vs. 3-4). This fire and lightning are so powerful that they can melt mountains. This gives us a picture of God’s immense power and majesty, and reminds us of His majestic presence and His ability to overcome any adversary. We all have enemies of some sort, including kings and other rulers. Some of these enemies are nothing to worry about, but some are powerful and can harm us. God, though, does not need to worry about anyone that tries to come against Him. The fire that surrounds His throne room will burn up anyone who opposes Him.
Our psalmist continues by condemning anyone who worships false idols (vs. 7). When it is revealed that there is only one God, Yahweh, these idol worshipers will be put to shame. At that time those who love the Lord and refuse and reject evil will be awarded joy and deliverance (vs. 8-10). As God’s children, we are to love what God loves, and hate what He hates. Rather than hating evil, though, today too many want to play with evil, keeping it nearby, and making excuses for it. We cannot manage evil on our own. Instead, it will manage us. We must instead turn away from evil (Psalm 37:27), and commit our lives to following the Lord, rejoicing and giving Him thanks (vs. 12).
In closing, we can know that we can bring our gifts of praise and rejoicing to the Lord, knowing that He reigns supreme over all of creation. With this knowledge we should strive to live in accordance with God’s standards of righteousness and justice, knowing that He has immense power and majesty, and that He can deliver and protect us from any evil. Worship the one true God, Yahweh, and reject all forms of idolatry, remaining faithful to Jesus alone.
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