We’ve visited Psalm 98 twice before this year, back in week 14 and again last week. Both times we settled in on the opening verses, but today, we’re going to look at the last three verses. It’s here where the song gets bigger. The Psalmist isn’t satisfied with just human voices, so he recruits all of creation into the praise.

The reason he gives us behind the shouting may be shocking and scary to some: “for he is coming to judge the earth.” The word ‘judge’ can be a chilling concept, but take a look at who is celebrating in this passage: the sea and the mountains. They’ve spent a very long time groaning under the weight of the curse, and God’s people have watched wrongs go unanswered and the powerful unchecked. When the righteous Judge arrives, He sets things right with righteousness and fairness. He shows no favorites; no victim is forgotten. This is why creation cheers.

What about you and me? To be honest, when I think of the righteous Judge, my past unrighteousness floods my mind. But I’m reminded from this text that the Lamb who bore the curse for us is the Judge who is coming. In Him the verdict for our sin has already been levied, and its penalty has been paid. We can welcome the Judge because He’s already stood in the place that makes us fear.

So, today, our response is praise. Every time we thank God for a harvest, praise Him for His blessing, pull a weed from our garden knowing thorns have an expiration date, we’re joining this cosmic choir of sea, river, and mountain. In his song, Joy to the World, that we’ll start hearing soon, Isaac Watts caught the heart of what’s happening here:

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

Does the thought of God coming as the Judge stir dread and fear or gladness in you? Why? How can you join the song of creation this week by praising Him out loud for making all things right?

Father, I praise You as the righteous Judge who makes all things right and new. I’m grateful Jesus bore the curse and stands between me and what I truly deserve. Forgive me for fearing Your coming more than I long for it. Let my voice join the harmonies of creation as we raise Your name in worship. Let your blessings flow as “far as the curse if found.” Amen.

“I’m glad the Judge is coming, because __________________.”