April 3

Psalm 96:1‑3
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people” ―Psa. 96:1-31O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. 2Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day. 3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. (Psalm 96:1‑3).
THE book of Psalms is composed largely of poetical expressions of worship, but on reading these matchless hymns of praise we need to remember that redemption was not yet actually accomplished. The veil was unrent. God was hidden in the thick darkness (2 Chron. 6:11Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. (2 Chronicles 6:1)). His people worshiped in an earthly sanctuary and their understanding of His truth was very limited compared to that full revelation now given in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistles, which open up the truth of Christ’s finished work on the cross, the rent veil permitting God to come out to man and man to go in to God. Our place of worship is the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 10:1919Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19)), where Christ sits exalted at the Father’s right hand. We are called to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)), as those whose citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20)), and who are in the joyful consciousness that we have been accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)).
“The holiest we enter
In perfect peace with God.
Through whom we found our center
In Jesus and His blood:
Though great may be our dullness
In thought and word and deed,
We glory in the fullness
Of Him that meets our need.
Much incense is ascending
Before th’ eternal throne;
God graciously is bending
To hear each feeble groan:
To all our prayers and praises
Christ adds His sweet perfume,
And Love the censer raises,
These odors to consume.”
—Mary Howley.