Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:8-9)
Have you ever read a novel or watched a movie where the “good” guy or woman delays in coming to fix everything? In the meantime the villain is wrecking havoc on others. But finally, as the story reaches its climax, the hero comes in at just the right time defeats the enemy and restores peace. At that moment when the hero intervenes you experience a deep satisfaction because you know everything is going to be “OK.” The villain will be judged and the order will be restored.
Could it be that that deep pleasure in a story are the effects of being created in the image of God? That deep good feeling of good overcoming evil points us to a reality found in our Creator. In this psalm, the writer anticipates the day when the Lord will return to judge the earth, and this reality causes creation to celebrate because with the return of Jesus comes healing to creation (Romans 8:21).
Jesus came to earth the first time to bear our sin and take the penalty for it. Jesus will come a second time to judge the world, renew creation and live with His people forever. We are still in the middle of that story. The King has yet to come, but He will return at just the right time. In the meantime, let us focus on the work He has us to do. To learn how, come join us for our in-person service today at 4PM or join us online! (link in bio)