Sing and Tell

Do you remember show and tell when you were in school? I don’t recall what I took to show my classmates, but I remember that my classmates and I could bring in items that were meaningful to us in one way or another. We didn’t bring things that we didn’t like, or things that weren’t important to us. That would have missed the point. Instead, we brought in what we treasured. Psalm 96 is like show and tell, except it’s better described as sing and tell. It celebrates the Lord as Creator, Redeemer, King and Righteous Judge. As believers the words of Psalm 96 should often be on our lips. First we are called to sing of the Lord’s greatness. Then we are called to tell of His greatness.  

The Lord is Creator and Redeemer

The psalmist begins, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Ps. 96:1-2). Singing to the Lord about His greatness leads to declaring His glory “among the nations” (v. 3). The Lord desires all nations to know that He is the great and glorious God who is worthy of all worship (v. 4). In contrast to “worthless idols” (v. 5) the Lord is surrounded with “splendor and majesty” and “strength and beauty” (v. 6).

               The “new song” of Psalm 96 is given a greater meaning in Revelation 5. When the Lamb took the scroll the creatures and elders “sang a new song” that celebrated Christ’s accomplished work of redemption. He “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9-10). Today you and I can join in singing this new song to the Lamb of God, our beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can sing of our redemption in Christ. We can sing of the splendor of His creation. We can sing of His mercies that are new every morning. We can sing of His sunrise and sunset. Then we can tell others the reason we’re singing. Our God is not counted among worthless idols, but is the one true God worthy of all worship.  

The Lord is King and Righteous Judge

Worship involves our heart, which includes our mind, will and emotions. The psalmist calls us to “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength” and “the glory due his name” (Ps. 96:7). We worship rightly when we worship according to God’s word. Worship also involves our bodies. With our hands we are called to “bring an offering, and come into his courts” (v. 8). And we are to “tremble before him” (v. 9).

               Our worship drives our witness. If we believe “the LORD reigns” then we will tell it “among the nations” (Ps. 96:10). If we believe “he will judge the nations with equity” (v. 10) and “the world in righteousness” (v. 13), then we will warn others of the coming day of judgment. We will proclaim that today is the day of salvation.

               Significantly, Psalm 96 reflects David’s song when he brought up the ark from Obed-Edom to Jerusalem (see 1 Chron. 15:23-33). Along with God’s deliverance of His people out of Egypt, this was one of the most significant events in the history of redemption recorded in the Old Testament. It showcased God as the King, bringing David’s kingship and God’s kingship into the closest relationship. Ultimately these two thrones became one when Christ assumed His eternal reign on the Davidic throne. This reign was inaugurated at His first coming and will be consummated at His second coming.

               The New Testament raises the bar about what kind of offering believers are to bring to God. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:1-2). Such an offering involves all of us, both body and soul. Our heart, mind, will and emotions are to be offered to God. And our bodies are to be offered to Him as well. 

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Perhaps you remember show and tell. You may even recall what you took to show your classmates. But we have a greater assignment now. Psalm 96 calls us to sing and tell. We are to sing that the Lord is the Creator, Redeemer, King and Righteous Judge. And we are to tell others about Him, that they too might sing of His greatness and tell of His grace.  

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.