Church services across the world and across the various denomination spectrums usually have several things in common. One is that they will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, in some form or another. Some do that every week, others once a month, or just several times a year. Another thing is that they will usually have some sort of sermon or homily. In some churches that might only be five to ten minutes while in others that could be an hour or so. And then most church services have some type of singing of hymns or worship songs. They may be accompanied by a full band that rivals rock concerts, or by smaller guitar and drum groups. The singing may be accompanied by a traditional piano or by a grand pipe organ. Being a much more traditional person myself, I love the organ and/or piano accompaniment with the beloved old hymns, however everyone’s tastes are different, and the purpose is to sing praises to the Lord. Our psalm for this week, Psalm 96, is a hymn of praise to the Lord, calling upon all of creation to worship Him.
Though we don’t know the author for certain, Psalm 96 is attributed to King David, some saying that he wrote it for the occasion of his bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. That would certainly have been a grand occasion, one worthy of having a new hymn or worship song being written to commemorate it. Those who write hymns or worship songs today often do so to mark special occasions, whether in their own personal life, or that of the community. We want to proclaim God's greatness and His worthiness to be praised by everyone.
In many church services when it is time to sing a hymn or worship song, the worship leader comes to the front and helps lead the congregation in singing and following the words that are projected to the front or in the hymnal. The worship leader on that great day of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem called on the people to sing aloud their praises to the Lord, letting the whole world know of His greatness (vs. 1-3).
As our psalm continues, some reasons for singing praises to the Lord are given (vs. 4-6). Yahweh is above all other false gods. Actually the false, pagan gods don’t exist. The people who worship them are actually worshiping demons. To let the pagans know, believers are to proclaim that Yahweh is greater than their idols of wood and stone. For several decades the pagan Philistine nation had held the Ark of the Covenant captive, sometimes keeping it inside their heathen temples. However, now it was back in His people’s hands, and they proclaimed that Yahweh was to be feared above the false gods. Our worship songs today should also proclaim the glory, majesty, and power of the Lord Jesus above all false religious or philosophical beliefs.
David concluded his worship hymn to Yahweh by calling upon people of every nation to give Him praise, to worship Him, and give Him the glory due to His Name (vs. 7-9). David also reminded us that the Lord is coming to earth again, this time to execute judgment to the world in righteousness and truth (vs. 10-13).
How is our worship time in church? Is it a time of genuine worship to the Lord, or is it more of a time of entertainment, like a free rock concert, admiring how great a band our church managed to get. Whether we prefer more contemporary songs and instruments, or prefer the traditional hymns and an organ, the focus should be on truly worshiping and praising the Lord, and proclaiming His glory to people everywhere, from every nation and race. Our worship should be characterized by reverence and holiness, reflecting the splendor of God’s holiness. As believers, those who have put their faith and trust in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we can find hope and assurance in the Lord’s righteous judgment, knowing that He will ultimately set all things right.
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