Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth. Psalm 96: 11-13, NKJV.
Dear God, please help us to rest in the assurance that Your righteousness will see us through on the day of judgment. Therefore, help us not to fear, but to rejoice! In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Yesterday we took a look at God’s righteousness in dealing with His creatures. The prophet Jeremiah was not too happy with the way God was dealing with the nations; nevertheless he began his prayer with the words, “Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You” (Jeremiah 12: 1a). According to the marginal readings of the NKJV Study Bible, “Plead means ‘ “contend legally.” ‘ While no legal grievance can be brought against God, Jeremiah could pose legal questions to the righteous judge” (p. 1171). The prophet knew that all of God’s judgments were based on His righteousness, and that he could “reason” with the great Judge of the universe (Isaiah 1: 18)!
Somewhere in the process of having a personal relationship with God, there comes a moment, when you and I will realize that, no matter what our eyes see, no matter what our ears hear, and regardless of what, or how, we may feel – God is righteous! His commands are based on His righteousness, and according to our Scripture for today, so are His judgments!
The reason this knowledge is so important, is because people tend to fear God, and view Him as a punitive, harsh, vindictive, God. When we fear someone, we seek to avoid that person as much as possible. This is exactly what the Adversary wants us to do – keep away from Jesus. Remember when Adam and Eve sinned? They ran away and hid from God, in fear. Now it is our duty as Christians, to present to our families, friends, and the world at large, a God who is righteous and true. This will make it much easier for them to accept Him as their personal Savior and Friend!
Notice how all creation is invited to be glad over God’s approaching judgment: Heavens – rejoice! Sea – roar! [F]ield – be joyful! [A]ll the trees of the woods – rejoice! The LORD is coming! Be glad! Inanimate creation looks forward to His coming, when all things will be renewed (Romans 8: 22); while many of the creatures for whom He died, await His coming, with dread (Revelation 6: 15-17)!
Today is a good day to get to know God and His righteousness, that we might look forward to His coming, with joy (Romans 8: 23)!