NOVEMBER 6, 2026 – JUDGMENT

READ: Ps. 97:1-12: … You, LORD, are Most High …

Through grace, the coming of the LORD as Judge means eternal glory for those who love and honour Him with a sincere heart, taking refuge in Christ with their sins. He has covered their sins before the face of God. But what about those who do not sincerely love the LORD and do not honour Him as the Most High King?

Psalm 97 first speaks of the joy in the LORD that is found among the heathen nations of the coastlands when they perceive the light of the gospel concerning the LORD God. They too may know and honour Him as their Saviour, Who will have compassion on them in Christ (v.1; cf. Isa. 42:4; 51:5).

But in verses 2-6 the Psalm also shows how the LORD responds to those who reject this gospel. His appearance then brings terror upon the nations, the clouds and darkness of His holiness confronting sinful humanity (cf. Ex. 19:16, 18; Heb. 12:29). God’s appearance is then so awe-inspiring that mountains melt. Who will be able to stand?

There will also be completely opposite experiences at Christ’s second coming. On the one hand, there will be great joy among the multitude of believers: they cry out with a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! … Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Rev.7:9-17).

On the other hand, there will be fear among all unbelievers when God’s judgment comes: “And they said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Rev.6:15-17).

The Psalm now addresses the rejection of idols and the wholehearted love of God. Although idols have no existence of their own—it is human beings who make them—serving them means turning away from God, the only true God, as will become evident in the final judgment. But honouring and loving God also requires hating and putting away evil (v.10). For believers, this is a daily struggle, in which we may receive the Lord’s help and blessing.

Do we sufficiently realize that God rules over everything?

Sing: Ps. 97:1,2,6