Preke - Sermons - 2024

Held: Circuit Service – Northern Circuit 2024

Held by: Bischof Theodor Jäckel

Grace be with you and peace from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christy. Amen.

“To praise God is our calling.” Our circuit service this year centres on the fundamental act of praising God. This is sharpened by the watchword for the Sunday 'Cantate,' urging us to sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done marvellous things!

I read the sermon passage that I have chosen for today – Psalm 98.

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 

2 The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 

3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 

4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 

5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! 

8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together 

9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Let us pray:

Psalm 98 finds its origins in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile. Babylon, known for its oppression not only of the Jews but also of numerous other peoples, fell to the Persians. In 536 BC, King Cyrus of Persia permitted the descendants of the exiles to return home. The practicalities of everyday life involved considerable time to repair the ruins and rebuild the temple. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah recount the immense challenges faced during this period. Nevertheless, amidst the struggles, there was profound joy that demanded expression: "Sing to the Lord a new song!" This was a time of renewal, necessitating new songs. Thus, a collection of psalms was composed and sung.

In its original Hebrew form, Psalm 98 comprises three verses, each with a distinct focus. The first verse celebrates the congregation's singing of praise, while the second extends this praise to encompass all humanity. Yet, even this expansive scope is deemed insufficient in the third verse, as the entirety of creation—the sea, the earth, the rivers, and the mountains—is summoned to join in the song of praise. This progression underscores the profound impact of God's saving actions, which transcend all boundaries and exceed all expectations, eliciting praise from every corner of existence.

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things!"

Today, as we gather, singing and praise take centre stage. Yet, it's natural to question: Do we truly want to praise? Can we summon praise at will?

Praise isn't a switch we can flip on command. We all know that. Do we have reasons to thank and praise God? Is it genuinely what we desire?

Perhaps each of us can reflect on our recent thoughts and conversations. Have we focused on gratitude and blessings, or has our dialogue been dominated by concerns and worries? Put differently - When was the last time we sincerely praised and glorified God?

Consider the topics that have probably dominated our discussions in recent days or weeks:

• The upcoming general election and the apprehension of increased instability.

• The alarming crime rates and personal experiences with criminality.

• Economic concerns, from rising interest rates to a declining standard of living.

• Frustration with corruption and the perceived lack of effective measures against it.

These are just some of many legitimate concerns, and it's natural to discuss them.

The contrast between the call to joyously praise God and the burdens of our daily worries is stark.

How do we reconcile our celebrations with the complexities of life? How can we sing songs of praise while burdened by worries and uncertainties?

Perhaps it's crucial to consider another question: How can we remain entrenched in worry and unhappiness when we acknowledge that Christ has triumphed over death and is alive? How can we not find cause for praise and joy when we recognize that God's love reigns over this world?

Psalm 98 calls on the people to sing a new song of joy and praise, celebrating God's deliverance from the captivity in Babylon. Similarly, the message of Easter calls on us to raise our voices in a new song, glorifying God who has conquered sin and death through Christ's resurrection?

Easter -Christ's resurrection stands as a testament to His victory over death and sin, ensuring that nothing can sever us from the love of God. Isn't this reason enough to lift our voices in a new song of praise to our Creator?

I found the following statement and would like to pass it on to you: "We have to sing ourselves into the songs of hope, especially when reality looks so very different. We must risk it, put the words in our mouths, read the lyrics, hum the melodies. There's no other way. Otherwise, everything stays the same for us."

In essence, in the midst of the harshness of reality, we must intentionally immerse ourselves in songs of hope. We must take the risk, actively embracing the words and melodies of praise, even when circumstances seem bleak. For it is through this intentional act of praise that transformation occurs, ushering in a new perspective and a renewed sense of hope. Otherwise, we risk remaining stagnant, trapped in the status quo of despair.

We sing in defiance of the bleak image of life that robs us of hope and leaves us paralyzed.

We sing against every force that seeks to steal our joy and convince us that change is impossible.

We sing against the voices that deny the existence of God or His active presence in our world.

We sing against our own despair and despondency, refusing to succumb to hopelessness.

We sing against the lie of isolation, standing together as a united Christian community.

But in our singing, we also sing into hope.

We sing of our unwavering hope in Christ Jesus, who conquered death and reigns victorious.

We sing with the assurance that God is present and sovereign, and our prayers will not go unanswered.

We sing with the conviction that we can make a difference, transforming our world, our nation, and our neighbourhoods.

We sing into visions of a better world, knowing that this reality already exists in part and will one day be fully realized.

We sing to pray in the language of hope, refusing to be silenced as Christians. Through our songs, we reject resignation and confront the challenges of our times.

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he does wonderful things!"

Where will hope come from if we, as Christians, choose silence? If we withhold our voices, our stories, our songs, and our prayers for a better world?

Today, on this Sunday of Cantate, we raise our voices: Amen.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.