Psalm 98

Isaac Watts was an 18th century English minister and hymn writer, who had become dissatisfied with the songs and quality of singing in British churches.

In his book, Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan credited Watts with ‘inventing” what he called “the English hymn.” Watts, however, had his critics, including minister Thomas Bradbury who called his songs “whims instead of hymns.”

Watts, nonetheless, was not deterred and he went on to write over 750 hymns. Many of his hymns are still found in our song books and we sing them today. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” “We’re marching on to Zion.” And “At the Cross.”

One of Watt’s most famous hymns, often heard this time of year, is “Joy to the World.” He based it on Psalm 98, which he saw, like many Bible expositors, as a Messianic psalm foretelling the coming of Christ.

Charles Spurgeon in The Treasury of David definitely sees it as Messianic and even finds the echo of Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55 in this Psalm. When you read her song there is a striking resemblance.

The author of Psalm 98 is unknown. While it praises Jehovah for His righteousness its occasion is uncertain. Some commentators suggest it was written to celebrate Israel’s victory over its enemies. Watts interpretation of Psalm 98 in Joy to the World  was viewed by him as more of a Kingdom hymn, rather than specifically celebrating the birth of Christ.

However, as you read the nine verses, it’s composed of three stanzas of three verses each that teach three powerful lessons we can apply today.

#1 A Wonderful Salvation (vv. 1-3).

“In God is my salvation,” proclaimed the Psalmist (Ps. 62:7). That was true when God delivered Israel from their Egyptian captivity. When He defeated their enemies as they conquered Canaan. When He rescued Daniel from the Lion’s den. And it was (and is) true when He sent Jesus into the world “to save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

An Awesome God. A Wonderful Savior. And Marvelous Grace. These all describe our salvation.

Furthermore, our salvation today can only be found through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the way. The Truth. The Life. Our only connection to the Father (Jn. 14:6). Indeed, we can sing with Isaac Watts, “A wonderful savior is Jesus my Lord.”

#2 A Joyful Celebration (vv. 4-6).

Whether you’re considering this deliverance as the exodus from Egypt, victory over an enemy, or the defeat of a foreign foe, celebration always ensued. Shouting. Singing. Weeping. Dancing. And sounding trumpets. These accompany the exclamation, “Praise the Lord!” And “shout for joy.”

Likewise, Jesus’ birth ushered in a new era. One that began with God lighting up the sky like a fourth of July celebration. And the angelic host singing, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Indeed, “joy to the world! The Lord is come.”

#3 A Glorious Expectation (vv. 7-9).

The Psalmist pictures the Lord not only as the Deliverer and the King, but also as the Judge.

Just as He judged the wicked nations, as well as His own unfaithful people in the Old Testament, He will come again in judgment. For some that’s a frightful thought. But for those who are faithfully serving God, following Jesus, and living righteously, it is a glorious expectation.

Like Paul, we can say, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain…having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:21-23).

It has been said that the theme of the Bible can be summed in three short statements that revolve around Jesus.

Christ is coming.
Christ has come.
Christ is coming again.

May we echo the words of the beloved John with joyful, wonderful, and glorious anticipation: “Come, Lord Jesus.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman