PSALM 97
“The Lord reigns!” Not “the Lord will reign,” but “the Lord reigns!” Right now! In another psalm the Lord declared, “I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion” (Ps. 2:6). We are children of the King.
Let the earth be glad (1–6). You may not see much righteousness and justice in the world today, but that does not mean God has been dethroned. For reasons we do not fully understand, God permits evil men to exploit the earth and its people, but one day He will come in power and glory and set things right.
Let Israel be glad (7–9). Israel has played the key part in God’s gracious plan of salvation, witnessing the true God, passing the Bible on to us, and giving us the Savior. The nation has suffered much, but one day her Messiah King will come in glory and fulfill the promises made to the patriarchs.
Let the righteous be glad (10–12). This group includes all of God’s people, sinners declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (
“Rejoice, the Lord Is King!”
Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains
He took His seat above.
He sits at God’s right hand
Till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command,
And fall beneath His feet.
Rejoice in glorious hope;
Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up
To their eternal home.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Charles Wesley