The Earth
I caused a bit of a stir this week when I said the song Joy to the World” was not truly intended to be a Christmas song. When Isaac Watts wrote the hymn he was not thinking about Jesus first coming, but His SECOND coming. Based upon the 98th Psalm, the song speaks not of mangers or silent nights. The only king mentioned is the Christ. There are no donkeys or drummer boys. Instead he sings of the worlds reaction to the arrival and ascent of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
And how will the Earth respond? Let’s go to that Psalm.
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
8 Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
9 before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Just as Paul writes that all creation waits and groans in sin
Jonah says that even the cows matter to God
We are called to work in the world, care for the world, evangelize the world, and preach the good news across the world. In fact, the world stands ready, for if we will not praise God, even the rocks will cry out.
All the Earth waits upon the Lord, and it is capable of recognizing its creator. What will happen when that day comes?
The Earth will receive her King
It will employ every song.
He will redeem and rule His creation.
So there you have it, Fire, Water, Earth, I do believe we can expect Mr. Skiver to write about Air this coming Monday, but perhaps not. Advent is a season of anticipation after all.
Speaking of anticipation, next Friday I will get to introduce you to a friend of mine. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has to say.
Until then, Joy to the World my friends, the Lord has come, and will come again.
- Pastor Dan