God’s Grand Entrance

God’s Grand Entrance

Psalm 97

Main Idea: Believers should live righteously in joyful anticipation of the coming reign of the one true God.

I can’t wait for Jesus to get back. It’s going to be awesome! When God ushers in his eternal kingdom, evil will be obliterated and good will win the day. And it’s going to be a glorious celebration:

After this I heard something like the loud voice of a vast multitude in heaven, saying,

Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous, because he has judged the notorious prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality; and he has avenged the blood of his servants that was on her hands.

A second time they said, Hallelujah! Her smoke ascends forever and ever!

Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who is seated on the throne, saying, Amen! Hallelujah!

A voice came from the throne, saying, Praise our God, all his servants, and the ones who fear him, both small and great! (Rev 19:1-5)

What John heard and saw in his vision on the island of Patmos causes me to sit up on the edge of my seat, look toward the eastern sky, and join him in praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

That’s what Psalm 97 is about—the revelation and anticipation of the coming reign of God. While the psalms on either side of it reflect the global gladness that will be experienced by God’s people everywhere when he comes, this song incorporates the additional reality of the judgment of his enemies and those who tried to steal his glory. When Jesus comes back to set up his kingdom, his followers can expect both. And when it’s time for that simultaneous joy and judgment to happen, everybody will know it. Jesus isn’t going to slip in by stealth, flying under the radar. He’s going to make a grand entrance! Consider the psalmist’s proclamation of the appearance of this universal reign, a reign that compels his followers to holy living as we wait.

The Revelation of God’s Reign

Psalm 97:1-5

The psalm begins with a positive declaration, “The Lord reigns!” (cf. Pss 93:1; 96:10; 99:1), an assertion that’s characteristic of the companion songs (see Pss 93–100). In these first five verses God is revealed as the King of the universe, and his emergence is anything but routine. The extent of this administration isn’t confined to Israel but instead reaches to “the many coasts and islands” (cf. Ps 72:10; Isa 41:1,5; 42:4,10; Jer 31:10; Ezek 27:10; Zeph 2:11) across the earth (cf. Isa 49:13). So the psalmist calls for the only appropriate response to such a grand rule: “Let the earth rejoice . . . [and] be glad!” This revelation of God’s rule demands that the entire planet throw a party!

This initial celebratory declaration of God’s universal reign is followed by a sobering catalog of theophanies in verses 2-5 (cf. 18:7-11; Isa 6:4; Ezek 1:4-28; Nah 1:5; Hab 3:3-15). The psalmist provides a list of terrifying and awe-inspiring pictures of God condescending into historical and physical existence through nature. The litany takes its cue from similar manifestations at Sinai (Exod 19:16-18; Deut 4:11,22) and in the Song of Deborah (Judg 5:5), and it puts the response to the revelation of God’s rule in proper perspective.

In verse 2 this Lord over the universe sits on a throne of “clouds and total darkness,” wielding his unapproachable “righteousness and justice.” He finally will make godliness be the order of the day on the earth. The consuming “fire” of his holiness shoots out like arrows in verse 3 (cf. 18:8-14; 50:3; 68:2; 77:17; 106:18; 144:6; Hab 3:11; Heb 12:29), devouring his enemies. In verse 4 the power and brightness of his appearance are so pronounced that he “lights up the world” like “lightning” that illuminates the night sky (cf. Ps 77:18), and “the earth sees and trembles” like an earthquake (cf. Ps 77:16; Hab 3:10). Finally, in verse 5 the Lord’s terrible presence makes “the mountains melt like wax” (cf. Mic 1:4; Nah 1:5). There’s no escape from his reign, which will cause even the time-tested landmarks and most secure refuges to dissolve into oblivion.

The metaphors in these verses are reminiscent of those used by the prophets to describe the awesome nature of the coming day of the Lord (e.g., Joel 2:2; Zeph 1:15). Before his death our Lord Jesus Christ used similar terms to describe his return:

Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matt 24:29-31)

After Jesus’s ascension back to heaven, Peter—quoting from Joel 2:30-31 on the day of Pentecost—offers God’s commentary on the era of Christ’s coming:

“I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.” (Acts 2:19-20)

Later, in his second letter, he writes of this day of God: “Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:12-13).

This prophesied coming reign of the God of the universe will find its ultimate fulfillment in the return of Jesus Christ, who will consume this sin-diseased earth and usher in his eternal kingdom. His reign will be celebrated in like fashion as Psalm 97:1-5 at his glorious wedding:

Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying,

Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. (Rev 19:6-8)

The reign of God over the whole of creation will culminate with the marriage of Jesus Christ to his glorious bride, the church!

The Distinction of God’s Reign

Psalm 97:6-9

The next four verses simply show the distinctive nature of God’s reign that separates it from all other self-proclaimed regimes. At the heart of this uniqueness is the fact that he’s the only true god in the universe. Notice the all-inclusive expressions that set him apart. The psalmist says, “All who serve carved images, those who boast in idols, will be put to shame” (v. 7). It’s not just some worshipers of false gods who will recognize his sole deity but all of them; so the psalmist concludes that there remains only one appropriate response: “All the gods must worship him.” This line in the Septuagint could indicate a reference to supernatural beings or angels. Whether futile gods or angelic beings, mankind tends to exalt both above the one true God. This call to homage encompasses both.

This comprehensive and exclusive nature is further seen in the scope of God’s reign. This is not just a regional revelation or selective supremacy (v. 9). He’s not just high, but he’s most high. He’s exalted over the whole planet, the entire population, and all of their fabricated deities! Furthermore, this distinctive nature of his reign as the one true god will be evident to everyone. Reflecting back on the phenomenological entrance described in verses 1-5, the psalmist notes that a global audience watches in awe as his reign is supernaturally revealed (v. 6; cf. Isa 40:5). When the dust settles, there won’t be any doubt in anybody’s mind who’s left standing and in charge.

Included in this audience are the people to whom God first made himself known: Israel (v. 8). Israel was the first nation God prohibited from making empty images and bowing down to fictitious gods, but Israel was merely intended to be an example to all people. The prophets later would declare that all nations will be brought to shame because of their images (Isa 42:17; 44:9-11; Jer 10:14) because both they and the gods they symbolize are empty and deceptive nobodies (Ps 96:5). The particular reference to Israel here likely indicates that God is bringing full circle his claim over all nations.

Both “righteousness” in verse 6 and “judgments” in verse 8 pick up the themes in verse 2 and reflect the moral aspects of God’s appearing that help set him apart from other supposed gods, aspects that form “the foundation of his throne” (v. 2). The former term is a reference to God’s faithfulness. When God manifests himself in the spectacular way described in verses 2-5, it’s not just fireworks. Goldingay says, “It is flashing of the actual weapons that fireworks symbolize, and these are weapons exercised for the sake of faithfulness” (Goldingay, Psalms 90–150, 114). Similarly, the latter term refers to the authoritative decisions that reflect God’s justice that Israel experienced throughout its history. God’s distinctiveness lies not merely in his fireworks but in his faithfulness and fairness that make things right in the world. That gives Israel and all nations reason to rejoice.

The distinction of God’s reign as the only true god who reigns over the whole universe is fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ. Many scholars believe the author of Hebrews was citing the Septuagint rendition of the end of Psalm 97 when he said, “When [God] brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘And let all God’s angels worship him’” (Heb 1:6). The writer goes on to say,

And about the angels he says: He makes his angels winds, and his servants a fiery flame, but to the Son: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions. And: In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; they will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end. Now to which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation? (Heb 1:7-14)

In the incarnation Jesus was introduced as the one who reigns supreme, not just over all of the spirit world but over all of the enemies of God as well.

The same combination of delight and devastation that characterized Jesus’s first coming will also characterize his return. While the people of God rejoice, his enemies will regret. Jesus says that on that day “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt 24:30). John offers similar testimony: “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him” (Rev 1:7). No one will need to check Facebook or Twitter to see what’s going on or to find out who’s in charge. It will be clear to everyone that Jesus Christ reigns supreme.

The Anticipation of God’s Reign

Psalm 97:10-12

The psalmist knows that the revelation of this distinct God who bursts dramatically on the scene, crushes the wicked, obliterates the worship of imposter gods, and reigns supreme over all the earth is yet to be fully realized. Until God’s kingdom comes in the brightness of his glory, the interim will still be dark and hold its challenges for the godly. So in the three remaining verses, the writer exhorts God’s loyal subjects to hold on until the day dawns and his victory is finally accomplished. He leaves them with something to anticipate, something to look forward to.

The hope laid out for God’s true worshipers is described as the dawn of the new age of God’s reign (v. 11). The parallel descriptions of “light” and “gladness” reflect the benefits of his rule for those who’ve faithfully waited for him. The idea is the same as the psalmist’s declaration that “weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning” (Ps 30:5), and that “those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves” (Ps 126:5-6). Herein lies the goal of all of history. When the day of God’s coming dawns, his light will dissipate the darkness, and the “righteous” and “upright in heart” will enjoy the blessed state of redemption and victory (cf. Isa 60:1-3) in a new age of total restoration (VanGemeren, Psalms, 626; cf. Isa 58:8,10; Mal 4:2).

This bright ray of hope is framed up by two appeals, obedience to which will enable God’s people to wait for his arrival with patience and faithfulness. The writer encourages those “who love the Lord” (v. 10) to anticipate his coming in two ways—consecration and celebration. Their consecration is reflected in the imperative to “hate evil.” God’s people are to live in the night in a way that’s consistent with the economy of the dawn they’re anticipating. Because they’re awaiting the arrival of the righteous one (see vv. 2,6), they are to wait with righteous living.

Such a righteous lifestyle of hating evil can be costly when the culture of the night is governed by ungodliness. So the songwriter follows with the reassurance that God will protect and rescue his people. While this is no guarantee that there won’t be some casualties throughout the dark battle of night, it does carry the assurance that God’s faithful ones don’t have to fear his appearing. He will guard those who have demonstrated where their loyalty lies.

The righteous are to await God’s arrival with celebration as well (v. 12). The writer has woven this thread of joy in God’s reign throughout the tapestry of his poem (see vv. 1,8,11). When the supreme sower sows light into the darkness of gloom and disaster, the inevitable harvest will be the joy of life, deliverance, and blessing (Goldingay, Psalms 42–89, 117). Consequently, his loyal subjects are to live their lives in view of his final victory as if it were already an accomplished fact (2 Chr 20:21; Hab 3:17-18).

The last verse of this psalm closes the loop opened in verse 1 where the nations were compelled to rejoice in God’s reign. This connection reveals two applications for believers today. First, we should spend our days living righteously because of our delight in what God has done, what he’s doing, and what he will do when he finally ushers in the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. The last word in the psalm—God’s “name”—carries the idea of remembrance (Exod 3:15). It signifies a recollection of all of his promises that have been fulfilled throughout the history of redemption, as well as those that are yet to be accomplished in the future. His faithfulness compels Christ followers to live righteously as we anticipate their completion. Peter explains,

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. (2 Pet 3:11-13)

God’s people are to live righteously, rejoicing in what he’s done in the past (cf. v. 8), in how he’s ruling and blessing his people even in the present darkness, and in the blissful hope of his reign in Christ that’s still to come (VanGemeren, Psalms, 626).

A second application is another installment in the clarion call for believers to proclaim “his holy name” to every people group on the planet so they can experience the same joy through the gospel. The clear assignment of God’s “righteous ones” is to be a light to all people:

I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, in order to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness from the prison house. I am the Lord. That is my name, and I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. The past events have indeed happened. Now I declare new events; I announce them to you before they occur. (Isa 42:6-9)

The first Christian missionaries embraced this assignment as part of their global enterprise. Citing Isaiah 49:6, they demonstrated how faithfulness to it bears the fruit of joy when the nations receive the light of the gospel:

Paul and Barnabas boldly replied, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the end of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. (Acts 13:46-49)

As righteous believers await the full revelation of God’s reign, our task is faithfully to leverage everything in order to proclaim Jesus Christ to all people as the light of the world (Luke 2:32; John 8:12; Acts 26:23; 1 Pet 2:9). As we do, people from every tribe and nation and tongue will believe the gospel and experience the joy of being appointed to eternal life.

Conclusion

Like most married men, I still remember the moment the doors opened at the back of the church and my precious bride appeared. As I stood at the other end of what seemed to be an eternal aisle, my legs felt like jelly, and my brow was dripping with sweat, but my heart was full of joy! What I had anticipated for so long was finally about to happen. I was about to marry the most beautiful woman in the world! Such anxious waiting is merely indicative of our patient expectation of Christ’s return for us. John says,

Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying,

Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These words of God are true.” (Rev 19:6-9)

As the church of Jesus Christ waits to be married to her holy husband, our lives are to be characterized by “righteous acts.” Holy living is the only thing worthy of the one who will reign in righteousness. When his reign is revealed, it will be evident to all that he and he alone is the God of the universe and the Savior of his people. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How should the images put forth of God’s coming and justice put faith, hope, and a healthy fear of him in us as believers?
2. How should these images of God’s judgment also drive us to mission?
3. If the heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory, what keeps people from knowing and loving God?
4. Although we do not worship the “gods” that the ancient people did, idolatry spans the distance of all cultures. What are some contemporary “gods” that modern people submit to?
5. How does the truth of God being “the Most High” over all the earth impact our prayer lives?
6. How does the truth of God’s being “the Most High” impact our efforts in both local and global mission?
7. We who love the Lord are to “hate evil.” What is it about God’s nature and character that drives us to live consecrated lives?
8. The psalmist is confident in God’s rescue, confident that he will preserve the lives of the saints and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. How do we reconcile this with Christian persecution across the globe?
9. The glorious return of Jesus is described in detail in Revelation 19. Why did God use the marriage metaphor to describe Jesus’s relationship with the church?
10. Verse 12 exhorts God’s people to give thanks to his holy name. How does our overflow of thanksgiving to God impact our proclamation of God to the world?