Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations “The Lord reigns!” – 1 Chronicles 16:31
First Chronicles 16 describes a beautiful scene where the nation of Israel rejoices together at the return of the Ark of the Covenant. King David and the priests offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. David blessed all the people of Israel in the name of the Lord, then he gave each of the men and women of Israel a loaf of bread, portion of meat and a cake of raisins. Next, he appointed a group of the Levites to offer praise with songs and instruments.
Christians today would do well to memorize the heartfelt words of this song and act on them. A condensed version would read: Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; and publicly declare His glory and power. Sing praise to Him and rejoice in His Holy name. Continually seek His presence and strength. Remember His wondrous works, His miracles, His judgments, and His covenant. Daily tell of His salvation. Come before Him, bringing offerings with great reverence. Worship Him and declare to all people, the Lord reigns!
It’s important to remember who the triune God is: the Creator and loving Heavenly Father, the Son who died for all and the Holy Spirit who enters, guides and comforts those who believe. Christians have good reasons to rejoice with the excitement the early Jews expressed with the return of the Ark of the Covenant. The covenant in Christ is greater (Hebrews 8:6). Because of Jesus, you can go boldly to the throne room to find help for your family, your community and nation. (Hebrews 4:16). Praise Him with rejoicing as you enter His courts boldly today.
Today’s Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:31
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
