Our scripture this morning is 1 Chronicles 16:31-34.
Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
As King David brings the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the people rejoice and sing songs of praise to God. They celebrate the return of a symbol of their faith, a sign that God is with them even in difficult times. God’s love and forgiveness are there for them if they are willing to repent and follow His commandments.
A thousand years later, Jesus returns to Jerusalem as the people rejoice and sing songs of praise to God. The Pharisees are angered and frightened at this and tell Jesus to quiet his followers. He tells them “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” (Luke 19:40), echoing the words of 1 Chronicles 16. A New Covenant has been given to them through Christ’s sacrifice if they are willing to repent and follow His commandments.
Two thousand years after this celebration we are offered the same promise, a New Covenant through the blood of Jesus. This should cause a celebration in our lives, that God loved us enough to give Himself up that we might be saved. The rocks and seas and forests have always celebrated God’s goodness. May we add our voices to the heavenly chorus in praise to Him.
Gracious God, we are humbled to be called Your children and amazed that You offer us forgiveness for our sins. Help us to go in faith to tell the world of Your wonderful love. Amen.
