Psalm 100 "Shout joyfully... !" This psalm of thanksgiving begins with an exhortation to shout. It is interesting that the same Hebrew word that is translated here as "shout joyfully" can also mean to sound an alarm to "split the ears with sound". This is no quiet murmur of thanks.. this is meant to be heard far and wide!
When we come before Him.. either in our "prayer closet".. or in a church pew.. may we come with glee.. with shouts of thanksgiving.. with "gladness"!
Why? Because " ...the Lord Himself is God; It is He who made us and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." We belong to Him. The pasture belongs to Him.. everything and everyone belongs to Him.. and He is good! " His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations."
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name." Here are clear instructions as to how we come "before Him... "
We know that Moses was given instructions to build a tabernacle.. a place where God would meet with His people. Surrounding the tent itself was a courtyard, and around the courtyard there were curtains that set it apart from common ground. The gates were the only entrance into this holy place. In the courtyard there was a great altar and a laver. A place for offerings and a place for washing. David wrote in Psalm 24 "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who can stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart." ( v3-4) There seems to be a correlation there..
Entering into the Presence of God is not to be taken lightly.. God requires something of us.. clean hands and pure hearts.. a sacrifice is necessary.. and was provided "once for all".. "but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down and the right hand of God.. " ( Hebrews 10:12)
This is why we come to Him with thanksgiving and praise! Jesus Christ provided a "new and living way.. inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.. " Therefore "we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus." (Hebrews 10:19-20) The Hebrew writer reminds us that this is not an earthly tent or temple that we enter.. but a "greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation and not through the blood of goats and calves but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.. " (Heb. 9:11-12). We have received an unshakable kingdom.. hallelujah!
One more word from Hebrews that echos Psalm 100 - " Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." (13:15)
Father in heaven, You are a holy God who has made a way for us to come into Your Presence with joy and gladness... through Jesus Christ our Savior.. Thank You for this great and wonderful gift! We come with reverence and awe before You, our Creator who has redeemed us from all sin. We praise Your Name. Equip us for "every good thing to do Your will.. working in us that which is pleasing" in Your sight, "through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. ( Hebrews 13:21)
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