Let the earth rejoice!

George Sneddon October 26, 2024 8 3

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Psalm 96: 11-13 (NRSVA)

11 

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12 

    let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 

    before the Lord; for he is coming,
    for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with his truth.

Friends we have reached the apex of Psalm 96 today. It has been a delight to walk with you through to this place. We have come far. We are now here standing looking at the mighty call to cosmic celebration. Not only were we invited to this, but all of creation — heavens, earth, seas, fields and even trees are to rejoice.

We reach this day to survey a beautiful vision blessed to us where we see all of nature respond with praise to God. The heavens and the earth and all of space are called to rejoice, the seas in their tumult and chaos are to respond and the trees will clap, clap, clap their hands.

Look at the interconnectivity of God’s Kingdom. You and I will be part of this celebration to come. We have the privilege of celebrating with all of creation as we respond to God’s sovereign majesty, as we respond to his righteous judgements, and we bathe and rest in his hopeful promise.

Let me finish with telling you this: God is bringing about universal joy and restoration. That will encapsulate everything and everyone. He has a plan for the whole earth to be restored, and for the former things to pass away. We will all be called to account, and then be welcomed in to join with heaven, and earth, and every living thing in the earth and under the earth, and in the sea and in the sky and in all of space to shout: Our God reigns. Our God reigns. Let that flavour all you do for Jesus: in your heart, in your home, in your church, in your work… from morning til night, let it flavour your life.

Prayer:

Lord
You invite us to this cosmic celebration
and we now go at the end of this week drawing
all those we know to it too.
Fill us endlessly with the hope of what is to come
that we will share it with love, patience, joy, kindness
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
To God be the Glory.
Amen.