Monday prior to Easter 5

[1]

Psalm 98:2–6; antiphon, Psalm 98:1—During Eastertide, it is our great joy to sing wonderful songs of praise to the Lord in His royal honor. A new song is called for as we consider all the marvelous things He has done for us. He has made known His salvation in the person of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of His steadfast love and faithfulness to the spiritual house of Israel, that is, the Christian Church (Romans 9:6–8), we have been saved from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation.

Psalm 98 – A New Song for the LORD’s Marvelous Deeds

This psalm is simply titled A Psalm, and it is the only one given that simple title with no other explanation. Like Psalm 96, it speaks of praise to God for His work of salvation in widening circles – first Israel, then all the earth, and finally all creation.

A noble, spirit-stirring Psalm. It may have been written on the occasion of a great national triumph at the time; but may, perhaps, afterwards be taken up at the period of the great millennial restoration of all things.

There are striking parallels between the first part of Psalm 98 and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), which may mean that the mother of Jesus had the psalm in mind as she composed her hymn and that she rightly saw that the promises of the psalm were to be fulfilled in the spiritual victories to be achieved by Jesus Christ.

The Newness of the Resurrection Turns Sorrow into Joy

On earth “you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Already the Spirit grants you peace and joy through the forgiveness of your sins. For by the cross of Christ, “God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). His Gospel is “a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (Acts 11:13–14). He gives freely “from the spring of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6), “and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4). He dwells with His people, adorning His Church as a bride for her husband, “making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Therefore, as the Son of Man is glorified by His cross, “and God is glorified in Him” (John 13:31), so He is glorified in us by our “love for one another” (John 13:35), which His Spirit works in us by His grace.[2]

Collect for Psalm 98: Lord, we sing to you a new song, for your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb you have given us a glimpse of your future and in your victory over death you have shown us how we shall overcome the last enemy. As the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise you for your great triumph, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. [3]

---

[1] Artwork by Ed Riojas © Higher Things

[2] Lectionary summary LCMS commission on worship

[3] Collect for Psalm 98, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY