From The Preacher's Desk

A Song of Worship

Presidential inaugurations are a tradition that started with our first President, George Washington on April 30, 1789. Over the years, there have been many interesting inaugural ceremonies:

Thomas Jefferson walked to his first inaugural. When it was over, he returned to his boardinghouse for dinner. All the seats were filled. (I’m sure someone gave up his seat for the President!)

Andrew Jackson, having opened the White House to the public—in keeping with a tradition started by Jefferson—was forced to escape a rowdy mob of well-wishers by climbing out the window.

Ronald Reagan took the oath of office privately on the twentieth of January, holding the public ceremony the following day, due to a conflict with the Super Bowl.
George W. Bush’s second inauguration was the most expensive in history—costing more than $40 million.

Presidential inaugurations have been solemn ceremonies and uninhibited celebrations. They are carefully scripted and they are unpredictable. They reflect tradition and they reflect the moment.

Psalm 98 is known as an enthronement psalm. Enthronement is something like the inauguration of a President—but here God is being recognized as King. The psalmist tells of the actions and accomplishments of God. “…He has done marvelous things…” (verse 1); “The Lord has made known His salvation…” (verse 2); “He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness…” (verse 3).
The Psalm continues to extol the virtues of our Creator. At the end, the psalmist reminds us of an important fact: “With righteousness He shall judge the earth” (verse 9). What shall be our response to that? As great, mighty, and merciful our God is, there will be a day of judgment. Are you ready? That day is coming. Rob Combs, Minister