MAY 16
Psalm 98:9, “For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”
Psalm 98 is a powerful and joyful celebration of God’s salvation, righteousness, and sovereign rule over all the earth. It invites all people—and even creation itself—to sing a new song to the Lord for the marvelous things He has done. The psalm declares God’s faithfulness to Israel, the unveiling of His salvation to the nations, and the certainty that He will judge the world with righteousness and equity. The seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the hills rejoice together in anticipation of His just and holy reign. It is a psalm of universal praise, proclaiming that God’s victory and justice are reasons for all creation to rejoice.
V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day), observed on May 8, 1945, marked the official end of World War II in Europe with Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allied forces. The world celebrated the downfall of one of history’s most oppressive and evil regimes. After years of war and devastation, the Allied forces finally ended Adolf Hitler’s dystopian reign. Cities erupted in celebration—church bells rang, crowds gathered, and people shed tears of relief. In London, Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation with solemn pride, while in the United States, President Harry S. Truman dedicated the victory to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died just weeks earlier.
While V-E Day was a moment of tremendous victory over earthly evil, it also reminds us of a greater spiritual conflict that has raged since sin first entered the world through Adam and Eve. The forces of evil continue to bring suffering and oppression, and God’s people often bear the weight of persecution. Yet Psalm 98 reminds us that this conflict will not last forever.
There is a day coming when the true King—Jesus Christ—will return to judge the world in righteousness. His reign will be perfect, just, and eternal. Creation will rejoice, not just for a temporary victory, but for a final and complete triumph of good over evil. Just as people rejoiced on V-E Day for the end of tyranny, so we are called to live in joyful anticipation of Christ’s return, trusting in His justice and proclaiming His salvation. Let our lives today be like songs of praise, echoing the joy of Psalm 98, as we look forward to the day when the King of Kings will set all things right.
“On his robe and on his thigh are written King of kings and Lord of lords.”—Revelation 19:16
Application questions: How can you actively express joyful praise to God today, knowing that His justice and salvation are certain—even when evil still seems present in the world? In what ways does the promise of Christ’s coming reign give you hope and shape how you respond to injustice or suffering?
LookingtoJesus 