Once again Psalm 97 embraces a concept
previously advocated and championed.
The emphasis easily is missed because it is so commonplace
today. Today’s religious
people (many who are not Christians) declare a world focus.
These religious people present perspectives as a benefit to
all adherents worldwide.
While this concept is commonplace today, it
was not to the devout Old Testament Israelites.
They thought they alone were God’s people.
They often felt that being religious exclusivists was
appropriate. Rejecting
non-Israelites expressed faith in God.
Though this is a complex discussion, most
faithful in Old Testament Judaism thought of rejecting idolatrous
people, not converting them.
Most faithful Israelites were dedicated to being exclusive,
not to converting. The
best way to preserve godly dedication was by rejecting association
with those corrupted through idolatrous influences.
Consider how striking the words of Psalm 97
were in the context of those times.
The Creator God was king of the earth.
Righteousness and justice were His thrones’ foundation (not
status, power, or control).
All the world was
His creation. The most
formidable earthly challenge were nothing to Him.
He deserved the praise of every nation.
Idolatry was nothing.
Loving this supreme Lord was expressed in rescuing the godly
from evil and the wicked.
The foundation of joy was in right doing.
The godly rejoiced in this Lord and praised His name.
Though God was (is) fearsome, His presence
brought joy to the righteous.
Only those who did evil were afraid of Him.
For the righteous, His coming was a time of
celebration, but for the evil it was an event of terror.
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell