THE KING AND HIS GOSPEL

Having included Psalm 93, we must also include Psalm 96, since the group 93-96 all hold together. Here is another millennial song, but again we are looking for a message for our hearts today, since “all scripture is profitable”. Read Psalm 95 again, and as we enjoy the calm within the raging elements let us “look on the fields” of man’s desperate need. If our present perspective has been particularly upward and onward, it must also be outward, for the one must needs inspire the other. At the time of the millennial fulfilment of this psalm, the Lord will have a message for the world (the gospel of the kingdom); so do we have a message now. This is given by the same Lord, the gospel of His grace, and we are responsible for sounding it out. The psalm informs us of the world’s need, for the world is without God and “all the gods of the nations are idols”, v. 5. As we testify of the only true (genuine) God and Jesus Christ whom the Father has sent, John 17. 3, we have:

A Message. Its character is joyous, “good news”, and we go singing. What we proclaim is that:

1. The Lord is great, v. 4, and therefore is greatly to be praised, and not to be ignored.
2. The Lord is to be feared, v. 4; He is above all gods.
3. The Lord reigneth, v. 10; therefore He must be obeyed.
4. The Lord cometh, v. 13; men must be prepared.

In proclaiming these truths, we are instructed to

1. Declare His glory among the nations, and His great works.
2. Show forth His salvation from day to day, vv. 2, 3.

In preaching this message, we are also reminded that we have

A Motive. This is twofold. To Win, vv. 7-12, and to Warn, v. 13.

We preach:

1. To turn men to God, vv. 7, 8; see 1 Thess. 1. 9.
2. As ambassadors, bringing an offering, v. 8b, this being the only one acceptable. Thus we seek worshippers, for the Father seeks such, John 4. 23; see Psa. 96. 9.
3. To stress the untold joy in returning to God, vv. 11, 12; multiplied pardon is much to sing about, Isa. 55. 7.
4. To warn men of the coming judgment, v. 13.

With our own hopes secure, as we go we must throw out the lifeline to others along the way.