They say repetition, repetition, repetition is the best teaching method. If that is true, we get a wonderful lesson in Psalm 99. “The LORD reigns” occurs six times in Psalms (47:8; 93:1; 96:10; 97:1; 99:1 and 146:10). From “God reigns over the nations” to “the LORD will reign forever,” I am to learn that God is sovereign over me and all God’s people and those who are not yet his people and those who will never become his people. This ought to inspire trembling & quaking (1) in our nation and all nations. Yet right now the nations are trembling over a little invisible virus, when they ought to tremble before the God who created the virus to do his bidding. Yahweh is great among his people and over all people groups (2). His “great & awesome name” deserves everyone’s praise. Why? Because “holy is he!” (repeated three times in 3, 5, & 9). This song calls me to worship the King, who “in his might loves justice, established equity, executed justice & righteousness” among his people (4). I am called to “exalt Yahweh our God” and worship him (5, 9). In Israel’s past, God’s chosen priests called upon the Lord, and he answered them (6, 8). He is “a forgiving God… but an avenger of … wrongdoings” (8). The greatest demonstration of both God’s forgiveness and meeting out justice was on the cross where Jesus bought my forgiveness by suffering the justice of God that my sins rightly deserved. That’s why this Holy Week I am exalting the LORD our God in my mind by focusing more on HIM instead of on all the inconveniences brought about by COVID-19. I will worship the One who reigns over everyone and everything. Will you join me?
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