Psalms 96:1

Paul Culotta

"Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth."

Scholars believe that this Psalm is a later version of the song found in 1 Chronicles 16: 18-33, but there are distinct differences between the two. The most notable is that Psalm 96 exhorts "all the earth," not just the Jews, to praise God. Later (v.3), it encourages us to declare his marvelous deeds among all peoples, not just a chosen few.

While the early psalm in Chronicles was sung to celebrate the Ark of the Covenant corning to Jerusalem, something new for the Jews, Psalm 96 celebrates the Lord's salvation (y.2) for all the earth, which we know today as the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let us reflect whether we have done our utmost to take this Good News to all peoples, as Jesus commanded us to do (Matthew 28: 16-20). Welcoming those who already know Jesus is relatively easy; bringing a friend to know Christ is much harder. Indeed, how can "all the earth" sing to the Lord if most of the earth has never heard of Him? What part do you play in singing the song of the Good News?

Prayer: Lord, you have called us to spread your Good News among all peoples. Equip us with the courage, tenacity, dedication, and friendship to do this in a way most pleasing to You. AMEN.