Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 04

The Elements of Worship – Psalm 96

The worship of our Creator is the highest point of Man’s existence. God has not left us without a guide as to how we are to approach Him. Truly, we are to worship Him in the “Beauty of Holiness” (v10). There are a reverential awe and fearful disposition associated with our worship when the attribute of God’s holiness is emphasised.

The Words of Praise in this psalm is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33 when David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It was a high point in the history of Israel for the Ark of the Covenant was a visible sign of the presence of God.

 In this psalm, we will observe 14 imperatives highlighted in bold in the Scripture text, which show the emphasis and intensity of each act of worship. It is an excerpt of the order of worship. Certain elements of worship can be identified.

1) Opening Hymn (v1-2a)

“1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD,”

The threefold emphasis of the phrase “sing unto the LORD” describes the overflowing heart of rejoicing in the thoughts of the psalmist expressed aloud.

Praise is not silent but praise reverberates in the vocal chords the joyous state of the psalmist’s heart. Sing unto the LORD “a new song” for His faithfulness and mercies which cause us to compose a testimony of praise.

2) Invocation (v2b-c)

“bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”

The invocation is an opening prayer invoking God’s presence especially when said at the beginning of the worship service.

3) Preaching (v3-6)

3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

The sermon is the most important part of the service. One writer said well, “The chief elements of the early church’s worship service is the teaching of the Apostles’ Doctrine (Acts 2:41). That is why the pulpits of reformed churches are placed at the middle of the church. It was John Calvin who instituted this in Geneva. The preaching is usually 45 minutes signifying its vital place in worship. The preacher is to declare the word faithfully with power and conviction of the Holy Spirit and without fear and favour of men…During the message, we are to pay the utmost attention to the Word. It is optional if we want to jot down notes but attentive listening is a must.” God is declared in His fullness. His Glory (v3a), His Wonders (v3b), His Worthiness/Fearfulness (v4) His Creative Acts (v5), His Majesty, His Strength (v6) illustrated and testified from Scriptures.

4) Bring An Offering (v7-8)

7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Another writer commented, “The offering in the Old Testament involves the bringing of sacrifices to the tabernacle or the temple. In the New Testament, we do not bring an offering of that sort to God, since Jesus has given His life as a once-for-all sacrifice.” An offering is an act of worship. Paul instructed the church to collect gifts on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day, “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:8). [John Frame, Worship in Spirit and in Truth, p 59]

5) Prayer (v9-13)

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice. 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

In verse 9, the focus of worship is on the beauty of God in His attribute of holiness. Therefore, no distraction should hinder us from rendering to Him our earnest, sincere and pure heart throughout the worship. In addition, the worshipper should approach God with a reverential fear acknowledging the awesome power of God.

The invisible God, our LORD reigns (v10). The LORD will establish His will on earth. All men shall be judged by the Judge of all judges, our LORD Himself. There is no escape. Therefore, every man is called to repent and come back to Him.

Hence, even the heavens will rejoice in the repentance of one sinner. But for the unrepentant, there is a coming judgement when the LORD returns.

CONCLUSION

May we take every opportunity to make right with our Maker in faithful worship.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee