Young People's Group

Let the Heavens Rejoice

by Mitchell Tan
July 29, 2021

THE LORD REIGNS AS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE OF THE WORLD

The Lord reigning in life is such a beautiful and awesome concept. He reigns forever and one day, He will bring about judgment to the world. He created it and He certainly has the authority to judge it.

“For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth.”
Psalm 96:13

1. THE CERTAINTY OF THE LORD’S COMING

The phrase “He is coming” is repeated twice. This emphasis brings across the definiteness of His coming. There is no doubt about this prophetic word. He will indeed come to judge the world.

2. THE MANNER OF JUDGING THE WORLD

Firstly, the Lord will judge the world with righteousness. Because He is a God of righteousness and justice, these attributes also form the foundation of His throne (Psalm 97:2). He will bring about justice on earth as our sovereign King. Secondly, He will judge the world according to truth. The basis of judgment would be the truth from His word. He would be against all who promote falsehood and evil.

Young people, if we have genuine faith in the Lord, we do not need to be fearful of the Lord’s judgment. Instead, the Lord’s coming as judge should cause us to have a deep sense of hope.

A PROPER APPROACH TOWARDS THE WORSHIP OF GOD

1. REVERENCING OF THE LORD GOD WHO REIGNS

“Tremble before Him, all the earth.”
Psalm 96:9

When we see the greatness of God and that He reigns, our response should be one of humble reverence as we approach Him in worship. He is to be feared above all things. All the earth are nothing before Him and we should tremble before His awesome presence.

2. REJOICING IN THE LORD GOD WHO REIGNS IN JUDGMENT

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad …
Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.”
Psalm 96:11-12

When we have a proper reverence of the Lord, there should also come a response of rejoicing in Him as we worship Him. The Lord coming to judge the world should bring gladness within us. This is not about having a sense of glee that others are going to be judged. Instead, it is rejoicing that His righteousness will be shown forth to the world. This truth is consistent with Psalm 97 with regards to Him reigning (Psalm 97:1-6). He reigns over all and the whole earth is to rejoice. Righteousness and justice are part of His throne. Fire would go forth from Him and His evil enemies would be dealt with. Because the glory of the Lord’s righteousness will be declared, all nature is meant to rejoice in this. If nature is meant to greatly rejoice, so much more we as men created in His image.

Young people, as we continue with this Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) situation, perhaps some of us may feel a sense of frustration and weariness. Our challenge is not to lose heart. Let’s see beyond our present situation and focus on the Lord and His righteous reign in all things. With eyes of faith, let’s hope in the Lord’s imminent coming to judge the world. This future event should give us a special sense of joy. Let’s rejoice as we worship our righteous King who reigns forever.

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