Do remember the contemporary Christian hymn by Leonard E Smith, ‘How lovely on the mountains…” that has the chorus repeating the simple yet profound phrase “Our God reigns”?
This is how it starts…
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
Who brings good news, good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness
Our God reigns, Our God reigns
Our God reigns, Our God reigns,
Our God reigns, Our God reigns
While one might react even cringe against the note of mindless repetition of this song, yet do we not need the reinforcement of this truth, line upon line?
It takes up the words of Isaiah 52:7-10 describing the work of God’s truthmen, His prophets, and which in the NT is broadened to include spreading the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36; Rom 10:15; Eph 2:17; 6:15). The image is of messengers running from the scene of battle across the hills to Zion with the good news that God reigns, bringing the news to all His people. The Lord’s victory ushers in redemption and peace for His people because their God (rather than the idols) has been shown to reign.
The result of this great news that ‘Your God Reigns’ is that the people lift up their hearts in joyful praise of God. Should that not be our confidence and joy also today – all the more so knowing that God’s King, Jesus, has come and established His salvation and is building His kingdom through Gospel proclamation “For the Lord has comforted His people… the Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.” (Isa 52:9-10).
Let me encourage you with what I was reading yesterday from a Blog article of Scott R. Swain, of Reformed Theological Seminary in Florida, where he reflects on Book IV of the Psalms, that is Psalms 90-106, under the heading of The Lord Reigns:
A prominent theme in Psalms 90-106 is the evangelical announcement of divine kingship: “The Lord reigns” (93:1; 96:10; 97:1; 99:1).
The Lord “established” his throne “of old” (93:2) “in the heavens” (103:19; 99:1); but he is worshiped “at his footstool” (99:5), i.e., in his holy temple “at his holy mountain” (99:9; 100:4). Thus, whatever may befall the earthly throne of David (see Psalm 89), these psalms assure us that God’s eternal kingdom will prevail.
Book IV praises the Lord’s sovereign dominion over all creation in general (95:3-5) and over his covenant people in particular (95:6-7) and celebrates his sovereign acts of salvation and judgment (96:1-3, 10, 13; 97:2-5, 7-11; 98:1-3, 9).
God’s sovereign acts of salvation and judgment are public, performed and proclaimed before all eyes and ears on the stage of history (96:1-3, 10; 97:6-8; 98:2-3); and they are cause for universal rejoicing (96:4, 11-12; 97:1, 11-12; 98:1, 4-8; 99:3, 5, 9; 100:1-2, 4; 103:1-5, 20-22; 104:1, 31-35; 105:1-4; 106:1, 48): “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (97:1).
Because God’s sovereign acts of salvation and judgment carry an eschatological weight, they awaken praise by means of a “new song” (96:1; 98:1).
We are the beneficiaries here of something greater than health or wealth – of God’s grace and its message to the world. Our God reigns! May this encourage you to praise God tomorrow as we gather via YouTube for that purpose – and indeed every day. Will you not also take the time to read through these Psalms at your own pace, meditating on truth of the Lord’s reign.
Together in Christ’s love and service,
John
Your Pastor