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Devotional 11.7.25

 

November 7, 2025 – Make a Joyful Noise

Hebrews 2:9-10 – But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Scripture Reading – Psalm 95

 

In the ESV, the psalmist starts out by calling us (twice) to “make a joyful noise.” Is this just a reassurance for those of us who aren’t gifted vocally or musically? It seems more likely that it is alluding to a kind of posture and action to have in worship, one of humility with joy and thanksgiving. Sometimes we may be tempted to get distracted by either the experience (how we are affected) or the presentation (performance) of worship.  Worship isn’t about us, or anything we have done or can bring to the table. It’s about Jesus, who he is, and what he has done … while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Jeremy Schmucker put it this way: “Worship is exulting in the exaltation of Christ. Exulting equals pure jubilation and celebration.” 

 

This is what the authors of Hebrews and Psalm 95 are describing. The psalmist is praising the rock of our salvation (v. 1), our great God (v. 3), the King above all gods (v. 3), our Maker (v. 6), the LORD (vv. 1, 6). The author of Hebrews gets specific about the rock of our salvation. By the grace of God, Jesus was made lower than the angels, he suffered and tasted death so that many sons, everyone, could be brought to glory and perfect salvation. This is why Jesus is crowned with glory and honor. He alone is worthy of all praise. By what he has done we have the assurance of salvation through our faith in him. This is what our worship affirms and is for.

 

Let’s make a joyful noise together on Sunday! In “Christ Be Magnified” we’ll profess to not be formed by feelings, but that from the altar of our lives may Christ be magnified in each of us. In “Build My Life” we’ll sing about the firm foundation we can build our life on – the Name above every other name, the only One who could ever save. In “Grace” we’re reminded that it is by grace alone that we are redeemed, restored, and can freely walk into the arms of Christ. Finally, in “King of kings” we’ll sing of the gospel message, the hope we have, because of the work of Father, Son and Spirit: three in one. 


Further reading: Psalm 51:16-17; Philippians 2:8-11; Colossians 1:21-23; Jude 24


Reflection Questions:

1.     Are there any distortions, distractions, or misguided devotions that may be tempting to bring into the worship service?

2.     How does having the right heart and posture orient, or reorient, your worship?

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings, Lord of lords, the rock of my salvation. You alone are worthy of all praise, my praise. May the Spirit help me to make a joyful noise to you, free from distortions, distractions, misguided devotions. May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.


A playlist of the morning worship songs can be listened to here.



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