We Have Got Something To Shout About - The Call Of A Joyful Sound

Sermon: The Call of A Joyful Sound

Ps 100:1 (The Psalm of Praise) “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (KJV)

Remember the words of the hymn, Jesus Saves? “We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves; Onward! 'tis our Lord's command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Psalm 100 is the Psalm of Praise that ranks second only to the 23rd Psalm in popularity. Many of us memorized it as children in Sunday School. It’s brief, concrete, and straightforward; plus, it gives us specific direction as to what God would have us to do: We are commanded to Shout for joy to God, make a joyful noise. To Serve the Lord with gladness. To know that the Lord is God and finally to Enter into his gates with thanksgiving. They’re all action verbs, well within our ability. Let’s use them as an outline as we delve into the psalm more deeply today.

Some things just require a joyful sound. Our birthdays, anniversaries, and special days. When we choose to honor earthly leaders, presidents, kings, and even pastors, we want the crowd to make a joyful noise. I have experienced many fond memories over 41 years of ministry. One of my most vivid memories happened in Puerto Rica. The country was preparing for the return of their native son, Santana! Santana’s musical career has touched the world. The community came out by the hundreds and lined the streets from the Airport to the hotel. They cheered and waved banners all along the way. I had never experienced anything like it in my life. I mentioned the event to my Preacher’s steward, and without my knowledge, he planned a similar surprise for my pastor’s appreciation banquet. He picked us up and drove me and my wife to the venture. As we turned the corner, the members of the Church had lined the driveway with banners and shouting, it was awesome! The psalmist has that kind of picture in his mind and calls the whole earth to join him in the celebration of Jehovah. We are encouraged to come with the right heart, attitude, and state of mind.

(1) “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.” - Make a joyful noise, the psalmist says. Don’t just whisper or mumble or stir around, afraid you’re going to disturb the person next to you – shout with all your might! Let the whole world know that the sovereign God of all creation is with us, he loves us, he’s on our side. “Psalm 100 shouts about our God. “Shout for joy to Yahweh, the Lord, our loving Father.” That’s the first step. Express the level joy greater for the Lord than for your favorite team. This psalm calls for celebration. And the second is this:

(2) Serve the LORD with gladness. And before you nod your head and say, “O.K.,” think about the implications: • God is all-powerful. What can you possibly do for God that God can’t do for himself? • God is all-knowing. What tidbit of wisdom could you possibly share with God that God doesn’t already know far better than you? • All creation belongs to God, from the highest mountain range to the deepest ocean, from whole continents to the tiniest molecules. What can you possibly give to God that God doesn’t already own?

So, what does it mean to serve God? First, it means to give what you have as a symbol of your gratitude and devotion. In the words of an old hymn, “Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth. Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor Into the battle for truth. Jesus has set the example, Dauntless was He, young and brave. Give Him your loyal devotion; Give Him the best that you have.”

Think of it this way: A three-year-old painstakingly colors a picture to give to his mother or comes up to her with a dust cloth in hand offering to help clean the house. Do you think she’s going to be upset and critical? Heavens no! In the same way, God is pleased with our gifts of love and devotion, no matter how small or crude or inadequate they may seem to be. To serve God is to give what you have – your time, talent, gifts, and service – with a joyful heart.