In Henry Law's reflection on Psalm 96, the central theological topic is the call to worship and proclaim the glory of the Lord, particularly through the extension of Christ’s kingdom. Law emphasizes that true praise of God is not only an emotional response but should also inspire daily acts of witness to His salvation among all peoples. He supports this with Scripture references, particularly from Psalm 96:1-3, emphasizing the necessity of singing a "new song" as a manifestation of continual spiritual renewal and anticipation of Christ’s second coming. The article highlights the importance of understanding God's greatness and sovereignty, encouraging believers to overcome spiritual lethargy in their worship and witness, reinforcing the Reformed understanding of God's holiness and the necessity of glorifying Him through both adoration and action.
Key Quotes
“Praise never can be too exuberant. Everything that has breath should live to praise the Lord.”
“Let too our diligent efforts convey to the poor and ignorant of every climate the tidings of redeeming love.”
“Who can describe the pure delight of spiritual worship? Let us draw near to Him who is a Spirit in spirit and in truth.”
“Nothing quickens praise more than constant expectation of the coming of the Lord.”
What does the Bible say about praising the Lord?
The Bible calls us to joyfully sing and proclaim God's salvation daily.
Psalm 96:1-3, Psalm 96:7-9
Why is the coming of the Lord important for Christians?
The coming of the Lord brings anticipation and joy, affirming His righteous reign.
Psalm 96:10-13
How do we know God is greater than idols?
Scripture states that God is the Creator, while idols are mere creations of man.
Psalm 96:4-6
Again we are loudly called to magnify the Lord in joyful song. Thoughts are directed to the extension of Christ's kingdom. He is proclaimed as coming to consummate salvation. May our souls respond, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"
1-3. "O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people."
Praise never can be too exuberant. Everything that has breath should live to praise the Lord. In this work there never should be weariness. Causes of praise are ever fresh, and fresh should be the responding notes. Let us sing a new song. New thoughts, new motives should enliven the soul. Our hearts should ever seek renewal, and be looking onward to the new heavens and the new earth, where He shall reign who has made all things new. Hence new should be our song. As day succeeds to day, so let praise succeed to praise. Let too our diligent efforts convey to the poor and ignorant of every climate the tidings of redeeming love. Let the heathen learn through us the glories of Christ's salvation.
4-6. "For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary."
Behold the greatness, the supremacy, the glory of our God. Heathen idols are utter vanity. Let us call the poor heathen to cease to bow down to stocks and stones. Let us teach them to worship Him who has made heaven and earth. This worship is mighty to enliven and sanctify. It is beautified with all the radiance of heaven's glory.
7-9. "Give to the Lord, O you kindreds of the people, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; fear before Him, all the earth."
Who can describe the pure delight of spiritual worship! Let us draw near to Him who is a Spirit in spirit and in truth. Let it be our choice joy, to magnify His holy name, to ascribe to Him the glory which is so greatly His, and to acknowledge the omnipotence with which He is invested. Let it be our delight to consecrate to Him all the resources with which we are endowed; to present to Him ourselves, our bodies, souls, and spirits, which are His by every right of creation, redemption, conquest, and our own surrender. Let us reverently seek His hallowed courts, and offer holy service. There is no beauty to be compared with holiness, which is the reflection of our God.
10-13. "Say among the heathen, that the Lord reigns; the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it; then shall all the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord; for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth; He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth."
Nothing quickens praise more than constant expectation of the coming of the Lord. Yet a little while and He who shall come will come and will not tarry. Behold He comes leaping upon the mountains and skipping upon the hills. Oh thrice blessed, thrice glorious day! The heavens and the earth, with their ten thousand tongues, shall rejoice and sing. Righteous shall be His reign. Truth shall be exalted, and the tabernacle of God shall be with men. Should not this prospect warm our hearts to spread abroad His glorious name! Surely the very stones would rebuke our silence.
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