“Some good reasons”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Psalm 100 (Forward, p. 58) CEV p. 616
Generally—but not always—when a person wins an Oscar or the Most Valuable Player award there are some very good reasons for that choice. So, when Connor McDavid won the MVP award last night, I was not overly surprised—though I did think that the Panthers goalie might be up there in the standings. Connor, even though he was stymied in his performance in this last game, was still outstanding. There was good reason for his award.
Today’s psalm speaks of someone else who is worthy of honour and praises, namely God, and proceeds to lay out some ‘good reasons’ for why:
-God not only made us, but also feels a sense of ownership and a sense of care towards us. He is not some ‘watchmaker’ type of
creator who created everything and then left it ‘to its own devices’.
No, He is intimately involved in our lives, faithfully looking after us
and caring for us.
-Furthermore, His very nature and character are further good reasons
for us to praise Him and honour Him. He is good and His love and
faithfulness will last forever.
Given all this, it is not at all surprising that this psalm has long been a liturgical staple within our worship cycle, there known often by its Latin title, Jubilate Deo (or, Jubilate, for short). It is a great call to worship and a great reminder of why we should also praise God, not just occasionally, but always. After all, we have some good reasons, very good reasons, to do so. Thanks be to God.
Forward notes: “Be joyful in the Lord…come before his presence with a song” (verse 1).
“Thirteen inmates and I met weekly in the small prison chapel library for brief worship and lessons. On this day, Psalm 100 was part of our worship. We recited it together. It resonated with them, so we said it again. Williams volunteered to say the first verse, followed by our response.
Inspired, I asked Hernandez to read it in Spanish and then teach us the last verse in Spanish.
“This was getting fun. I took a risk and, in the world’s worst voice, did my best rendition of leading a Gregorian chant, all chanting antiphonally. Friendly jeers and applause. Spontaneity and frivolity took over. Wilkins sang the psalm as a rap and had us follow. When the clapping subsided, we heard Jefferson snapping his fingers, singing in a soulful, baritone voice. We demanded an encore, snapping our fingers and singing, joyful in the Lord.
“I put my lesson plans aside. Anything I might say would deflate the tangible message hanging in the air: everyone can sing praise to the Lord in whatever language, in whatever manner, in whatever place.”
Moving Forward: “Take a risk today.”