SERVE WITH GLADNESS

Psalm 100 is the climax of a series of five psalms, beginning with Psalm 96, which anticipate the blessings enjoyed by Israel and the Gentiles under Christ’s earthly reign of righteousness. Not surprisingly, it overflows with praise, for here prominence is given to the nature of the offerings brought before God. To approach Him empty-handed is unthinkable, Deut. 16. 16, 17, so the worshippers in Psalm 100 draw near with gladness, singing, v. 2, thanksgiving and praise, v. 4.

Gladness speaks of a settled attitude of heart, a deep-rooted delight in God that makes serving Him not a burden but a pleasure. The word appears in the O.T. primarily in connection with the worship of Jehovah, for there only can true joy be found. “Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord”, Psa. 105. 3. And since we “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ”, Rom. 5. 11, our delight will be as lastingly satisfying as its eternal object. Singing, Psa. 100. 2, comes from a root meaning “a shout of jubilation”. It first occurs when the Lord publicly accepted the burnt offering, provoking a holy exultation amongst the people who “shouted, and fell on their faces”, Lev. 9. 24, and is only used in the context of worship. A sacrifice that pleases God should move us to express our adoration. Only those who know the value of the cross can come with singing, for it is purely in the merits of Christ Jesus, our burnt offering, Eph. 5. 2, that we have a perfect standing before God, 1. 6. Are we learning more about Calvary?

Thanksgiving, Psa. 100. 4, translates a Hebrew word basically meaning to confesss, either one’s sin, Ezra 10. 11, or God’s excellence, Lev. 7. 12. Here it is the latter thought, for we are approaching Jehovah in the light of His goodness, mercy and truth, v. 5. The great indictment against sinful man is his ingratitude, Rom. 1. 21. May we, as redeemed ones, have an intelligent and thankful appreciation of all God is in Himself. Finally, Praise is our homage to God who is incomparably great. “Who is like unto thee, O Lord … glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”, Exod. 15. 11.

“Give glory and honour and thanks to him”, Rev. 4. 9.