THE COMING JUDGMENT

MAY 16

Psalm 98

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?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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