Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
—Psalms 98:1-9

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Praise the Righteous Judge
By Jennifer Kane

All creation lifts its voice, tuned to the sound of justice.
Bells of mercy ring in the hearts of the redeemed.
Choirs of rivers clap, and the hills echo hallelujahs.
Day and night, His righteousness rolls on like a tide.
Every eye shall see His salvation unfold.
Faithful are His promises, from Israel to the ends of the earth.
Great are the victories won by His mighty arm.
Hope sings a new song, never old, never tired.
Instruments of praise resound with joyful noise.
Justice flows from His throne, never crooked, never cruel.
Kings bow low, for the King of all kings draws near.
Let the sea shout! Let its waves roar His praise.
Mountains dance in delight, for His judgments are true.
Nations behold the holy One, clothed in glory.
Over every land, His name is declared with awe.
People of every tongue rise up to rejoice.
Quiet hearts are stirred by His marvelous works.
Righteousness and equity hold hands in His rule.
Salvation is not hidden — it is proclaimed to all.
Trust in Him springs up like blossoms in the valley.
Under His banner, mercy and faithfulness meet.
Victory belongs to the Lord — it is His alone to give.
Worthy is He who brings justice with compassion.
Xaltation belongs not to man, but to the Maker of all.
Yesterday, today, forever — He is the righteous Judge.
Zeal for His kingdom will fill the earth with joy.

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Scriptures: Psalms 98:1-9

Justice is often longed for in our world. We look around and see broken systems, favoritism, and oppression. But Psalm 98 lifts our eyes to a higher hope — the righteous justice of our God, who comes to set all things right.

This psalm begins with a call to “sing to the LORD a new song” (v.1), a fresh and joyful response to God’s “marvelous things.” His victories are not abstract; they are personal, national, global, and cosmic. They ripple out from the house of Israel to the ends of the earth, and then to creation itself. His right hand and holy arm — symbols of His power and purity — have brought salvation not just to one people, but made it known to all peoples (vv.2-3).

Why do we sing? Because justice is coming. Righteousness is not a dream — it’s a certainty. The psalmist envisions a day when not only humanity but even the seas, rivers, and hills will celebrate. The roaring oceans, the clapping rivers, the dancing hills — all are called to join in the chorus of praise. Why? “For He is coming to judge the earth…” (v.9).

This is no ordinary judgment. It is not partial or corrupted. God will judge with righteousness and equity. He will not miss a single act of injustice, nor will He fail to reward faithfulness. The very things we cry out for — truth, fairness, restoration — He is bringing in full.

For the believer, this is not a fearsome judgment, but a joyful one. We know the Judge — and He knows us. His judgment is tied to His mercy, revealed fully in Jesus Christ. Just as Mary sang of God’s justice in her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), echoing Psalm 98, so we too lift our voices, knowing that through Christ, justice and salvation have met.

Where in your life or in the world do you long to see God’s justice?
How can you join in the “new song” of praise today — not out of routine, but in response to God’s marvelous works?
How does knowing Jesus as your righteous Judge give you both comfort and courage?

Let your praise today be full and wide. Let it remember the marvelous things God has done, and let it anticipate the glorious judgment He will bring. Praise Him not only for His mercy and faithfulness, but for His unwavering justice — perfect, powerful, and eternal.

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Righteous Judge, we praise You for the marvelous things You have done — for Your victory, Your mercy, and Your faithfulness. Thank You that Your justice is not delayed forever, and that one day, all creation will rejoice under Your righteous rule. Teach us to sing new songs, to celebrate Your truth, and to trust in Your timing. May we find hope in Your coming, joy in Your reign, and strength to live righteously until You return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

April 8 2025