JOY IN JUSTICE

Like Psalm 66, this is a millennial psalm, picturing the blessings of the earthly reign of Christ. It anticipates a period when salvation extends to all, v. 2; the nations are governed in justice, v. 4; the earth itself gives of its abundance, v. 6, and when Israel especially enjoys the gracious favour of God, vv. 1, 7. And although believers today are waiting primarily for God’s Son from heaven, 1 Thess. 1. 10, the Israelite’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous earth is not foreign to our hope, for the Saviour who is coming to collect His Church is also coming to claim His rights in this world.

But notice the specific grounds for worship mentioned in the central verse of the psalm, v. 4. To praise God for His greatness in creation and His grace in salvation is easily understood. After all, every child of God is both the creature of His hand, Psa. 139. 14, and the object of His redeeming love, 107. 2. But here are worshippers who rejoice in God’s righteous government. How often do we do that? During the present personal absence of the Lord Jesus, “the whole world lieth in the evil one”, 1 John 5. 19 R.V. But the time is coming when “a king shall reign in righteousness”, Isa. 32. 1, and “the government shall be upon his shoulder”, 9. 6. How encouraging to know that this earth will be ruled as it should be by the One who made it!

The character of Christ’s rule is total righteousness, and because of that all nations will “sing for joy”, Psa. 67. 4. We sing hymns about grace, mercy, love and kindness, but do we ever rejoice in God’s righteousness? Calvary, remember, displays it to the full, for there He proved Himself “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus”, Rom. 3. 26.

The love of God is righteous love, Seen in Christ’s death upon the tree; Love that exacts the sinner’s debt, Yet, in exacting, sets him free.” [Bonar]

When Christ reigns, there will be universal justice, peace, freedom and joy. Is it any wonder that the nations will burst into praise?, Psa. 67. 3, 5.

“All nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest”, Rev. 15. 4.