The background of Psalm 96 is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16, where David offered a song of thanksgiving to the Lord.  Verse 7 of that chapter says, “On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the Lord.”  The song of 1 Chronicles 16 is in verses 8-36; and verses 23-33 of the song are the same words as Psalm 96! (As a side note, verses 8-22 of his song are also found in Psalm 105:1-15).
The theme for this study is found in the last verse of the poem, where the coming judge is identified as the LORD—Jehovah.  He has judged people many times, and the Bible has numerous examples of His judgments.  As we know, one more judgment is yet to come.  It will be the occasion when all who have ever lived received an everlasting sentence of “Depart” or “Come” (Matthew 24:36-25:46).
If we learn the lesson of 1 Chronicles 16, we will be able to learn the lesson of Psalm 96—we ought to praise the LORD in view of His righteous judgments. The lesson can be learned as we divide the psalm into five parts.

One of the common, but relatively unnoticed, themes of the Psalms is that Israel was to praise God when they were gathered together before Him—and then they were to go out and declare Jehovah to the people around them!  This should be our approach too!  Let us gather together to ask the LORD’s blessing, give Him thanks for His perfect gifts, and then let us go forth and show forth His praises (virtues) in this dark and sin filled generation (1 Peter 2:9-12).

In a pagan world, in the midst of pagan nations, in a pagan neighborhood, they—AND WE—have the privilege to know and tell the characteristics of the One True and Living God.  The paganism that is wildly ruling in our time and place must be met head on with the truth about the only God Who truly exists!  He is the God Who is great and deserving of praise.  The “gods” of the people around us are nothing and they can do nothing.  The God Who made all is the God to Whom we must give and answer on the last day, so let us tell the world about Him!  And let us tell them NOW! (See Acts 14:15-17; 17:23-31; Romans 1:18-23.)

God deserves that we give Him that which is due to Him: in attitude, in word, and in action.  It should be given by all of us, and it should be given “in the beauty of holiness”.  In other words, we are to be “clothed in holiness”; as a pure bride presenting herself in her innocence to her groom (Ephesians 5:25-27).  Under-standing Who God is and having a desire to give unto Him according to His desires will lead us to present ourselves and our offering unto Him with trembling (holy fear and reverence; Hebrews 12:28,29).

“The Judge Who is Coming” is a righteous judge, and the world needs to be told this truth, too!  Misconceptions and false doctrines about God have caused multiplied thousands (if not millions) of people to decide that they would rather not even think about judgment.  But the truth about God, when it is learned and embraced, “casts out fear” (1 John 4:17,18).  He Who reigns will not make any mistakes when He judges, so if we desire to avoid His wrath, let us learn and obey His will so that we can be saved by the word of His grace (Acts 20:32).

Submission to Jehovah leads to harmony between Him and us.  The physical creation is used to symbolize this throughout the word of God.  It is His “obedient” and “glad” creation.  We can be His obedient and glad “new” creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10).  We can look forward with happy anticipation to the final day by living in such a way that we will be found “of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).  Since He will judge us with His truth (John 12:44-50), obedience to His truth is the key to our boldness in that great day.
Let us learn from the many judgment stories in the Bible that there is a very simple way to avoid the wrath of God—yield to His commandments, for they have been given for our own good (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13; 1 John 5:3; Acts 2:38; 16:31; 22:16).
Let us conclude our study of Psalm 96 with the same conclusion as the thanksgiving song in 1 Chronicles 16 (verses 34-36):

SICK LIST:  Kyle Routh was at Gwinnett Medical Center  with kidney stones.  He is home now with medication.  Paul Boaz was to have a pacemaker implanted Thursday at Gwinnett Medical Center—he was to stay overnight.  Jewell Graves has not been feeling.  Wanda Forrest, a friend of Robbie Davis, has had pneumonia.  Belle Oliver’s brother-in-law is having chemo treatments and is doing well with them.  Robyn Kendrick continues to need our prayers.  

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 3 is in charge of the services today at 1:30.

LADIES’ CLASS:  Ladies’ class meets at 10:00 each Tuesday.  This week, February 19, a covered dish luncheon is planned following class.

RECEPTION:   A reception for our recently appointed deacons is planned for this Sunday, February 17, following evening services.  We encourage everyone to say for a few minutes as we honor these men who are willing to give so much for us:

COVERED DISH DINNER:   Our fellowship meal for February is planned for Sunday, February 24, following morning services.  Group 3 will host.  Make plans to join everyone!

EVENING LADIES’ CLASS:  The monthly evening ladies’ class will be Monday, February 25, at 7:30.  Sheri McAfee will be teaching the class.