7 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.
What does it mean to "recognize" someone? How does this relate to the command to "recognize the Lord"?
What is it that God deserves?
How could the nations ever be able to give God what He deserves?
What kind of judge is God? What difference does this comment make for verses 7-10?
11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
13 before the Lord, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth. NLT
Look at verses 11-12. Describe each "place" that should sing this song of praise:
If God is coming to judge, why should each "place" on the earth rejoice?
::::: EQUIPPING CHALLENGE :::::
Read back through all of Psalm 96. The original command is for a new song to be sung to the Lord. The new song encourages the earth to recognize God and prepare to celebrate his judgment. What could you do today to help people prepare in celebration rather than fear (or defiance) for God's justice and truth.
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