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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 98  Listen to Psalm 98 This psalm tells of some national victory for the Jews that has been achieved by God in the sight of the nations of the earth, that the world can see the salvation he has given to his people. I can remember the remarkable events of the ‘six-day war’ in 1967 where Israel overcame the might of Egypt, Syria and Jordan surrounding her. At one point Israel’s forces were completely stretched in neutralising the Egyptian army in the west, whilst the Syrian army, rolling down towards them from the north were poised to enter the land over the Golan Heights. Israel didn’t have time to get from Egypt to defend the position. For some ‘unaccountable’ reason Syria paused for 24 hours which enabled God’s people to get enough forces there and push them back and the war was won against seemingly overwhelming odds. People around the world were praying for this little country and the whole world were astonished at their victory. There are three parts to the psalm: God the saviour (verse 1-4), God the King (verses 4-6) and God the judge (verses 7-9). God had made a covenant with the Jews and saved his people many times from the Passover in Moses’ time right up to modern days, and we should be praying that all the Jewish people to come to know the true salvation of Jesus. The outward expressions of rejoicing in verses 4-6 are typical of a king’s accession to the throne. Jesus is God but when he returns, he will not come as a baby he will come as a king ... King of Everything! The whole earth (not just the Jews) are exhorted to “shout for joy and burst into jubilant song.” In the busyness of modern life do we always remember to praise him for the things he has done in our lives and for our very salvation! Jesus will also return as judge of everything. This final section of the psalm indicates who should join in praising the Lord. Not only all the people on the planet are to praise God, but also the seas and the fish etc. All are invited to give a cheer - for God! We are promised that a great day is coming, when the Lord will come to straighten everything out in our tired, war-torn, and warming world. And all creatures, humans, hills, mountains and all creation are invited to join in a mighty hallelujah! Father, we look forward to the day when all the earth will rejoice at your coming and every knee confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.