What a comfort it is to know that "the Lord (Jehovah) reigneth." He reigns in the preaching of the Gospel and in the overthrow of all opposition to it. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." When we think of reigning, we normally think of injustice, oppression, and terror, but this reign is our hope. He who made the world, rules it. He sets the boundaries, and gives motion and power to it. Since creation, all things have been done with such a perfect exactness, that if the world were to begin again, and all the affairs of it were repeated, there would not be even the smallest alteration in any event. All has been done so perfectly, nothing needs do be changed.
This world is ruled in such a way as to bring about the salvation of God's people. The word "Reigned;" is present perfect tense. He has, He is, and He shall reign. Let "the heathen rage..." God's providence is managed according to His sovereign and wise pleasure. He makes the wrath of man praise Him, and restrains the rest of it.
Nothing has ever caused such a shaking in this world as the preaching of this Gospel of Christ. It has turned this world upside down. His power is felt everywhere. This Gospel has been so preached in all the places of this world, it is as if every star proclaimed it. All the races of men know something about it. But the wicked never see it until their eyes are opened. This same gospel that confounds the heathen causes God's people to rejoice. They love to see their God exalted. The word "heard" is used in Vs.8 instead of "sight" because God's people live by faith, not by sight. We know that what is done, "it is the Lord." There is one God, there cannot be another, and He is and ever must be over all. The psalmist shows us the essential attribute of the Godhead, HOLINESS. For it is because of His holiness that evil cannot dwell with Him. There is no way we can love God without hating what He hates. The sign of true conversion is a heart hatred for sin, and we hate it out of love to God.
Now let me ask you some questions about this Psalm. Would you be happier if death were the end of all? Would you be happier if there were no God to whom you must answer? Would you be happier if God were not absolute holiness, and required less of you; if He were a little more flexible, and bending in His requirements? Would you be happier if you could have a say in the order and outcome of things?
Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at the remembrance of this. “The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice.”
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