O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1
Sing to the Lord. Praise His name; tell of His salvation from day to day! Psalm 96:2
The Lord is become King, let the earth rejoice….Rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 97:1, 12
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; rejoice, break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4
The Lord is become King. Psalm 99:1a
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!…..Come into His presence with shouts of joy! Psalm 100:1-2
The Psalms 95-100 share themes of singing, joy, declaring the Lord as King, and proclaiming the salvation received from the Lord. Psalm 100 is a beloved song calling us to worship. It is understood that these Psalms were used in corporate worship in the temple of Jerusalem. Several times in my experience as a pastor, a young person would ask what Scripture could be read in a Baccalaureate or Graduation. I would recommend Psalm 100.
In these days of stay-at-home orders, we as churches of Jesus Christ have not been able to worship corporately. I am thankful for the music and witness of the church during these days. These Psalms can be read in a few minutes and bring to us a thankful heart and remind us to “shout with joy.” I believe the church is at our best when we fulfill our name: “ecclesia-called out ones.” God’s people are called to witness to the salvation from God. This salvation is not earned but it is a gift to humanity through Jesus. We as God’s people do not possess superiority, but we are proclaimers of the Good News of salvation. We are saved from fear. We have much to fear but there is nothing that can separate us from God, not even death. We are saved from guilt. My guilt oppresses me and I must declare with shouts of joy that Jesus has released me from my guilt. We are saved from our own ego. It is truth that no one can save themselves. We are given great importance not from our own intellect, wisdom, and abilities. We are important because we are called to serve God and to be loved by God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Finally note the verbs of action in these Psalms: make, serve, come, sing, tell, rejoice, shout, and give thanks. The life of following Jesus is one of action. First; we worship, second; we tell of salvation, and third; we serve.
