He Has Won the Victory—How Can I Be Silent?

Psalm 98 begins by calling me to sing a new song to the Lord. Why? Because He has done marvellous things. His right hand and His holy arm have won the victory.

When I read these words, my heart turns to Jesus Christ.

What greater saving work could I remember than His death and resurrection? I was a sinner. I could not remove my guilt or rescue myself from God’s judgment. But the Son of God came in human flesh. He took the place I could never have earned and bore the penalty I deserved.

He died on my behalf and He did not remain in the grave. He rose again.

That is the victory that gives me a new song. My hope is not in how strong I am, how good I have been, or how much I can accomplish. My hope is in the Saviour who died for me and lives again.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV

Hebrews 2:14–15 explains that Jesus shared our humanity and, through His death, defeated the devil’s power over death and delivered those held in slavery by the fear of death. As a believer, I may still face physical death. But death cannot take away the eternal life Christ gives me. It does not have the final word. Jesus does.

How can I remain silent about such a Saviour? Then Psalm 98 says that the Lord has made His salvation known. He has revealed His righteousness before the nations. He has remembered His mercy and faithfulness toward Israel, and the ends of the earth have seen His salvation. God has not forgotten His promises. And His saving message reaches beyond one nation.

After His resurrection, Jesus said that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46–47).

That includes people like me. I did not have to be born into a particular nation or family to receive His mercy. The gospel reaches every nation, and everyone who believes in Jesus is promised eternal life (John 3:16).

This does not mean that everyone is automatically saved. It means that the invitation reaches everyone. I must respond to Him. I must turn from sin and trust the Saviour who has won the victory.

That is why the Psalm calls the whole earth to make a joyful noise. This praise is more than music. It is the response of a heart that understands what God has done. When I remember the cross, the empty tomb, and the forgiveness I have received, I have a reason to rejoice even when my circumstances are difficult.

My circumstances may change. His victory does not. Then the Psalm calls the sea to roar, the rivers to clap their hands, and the hills to rejoice together. This reminds me of what I reflected on in an earlier devotion: creation itself is waiting for redemption. Romans 8:19–23 describes creation groaning under corruption and looking forward to freedom. We, too, await the redemption of our bodies.

The brokenness around us will not last forever. Sin, suffering, decay, and death will not rule God’s creation forever. The Lord who saves His people will bring His purposes to completion. Even the picture of rivers clapping and hills rejoicing makes me think of the joy of a creation set free.

But Psalm 98 does not end with praise alone. It ends with His coming:

“For he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.”

Psalm 98:9 KJV

The Lord is coming to judge. His judgment will be righteous and fair. Nothing will be hidden from Him, and no injustice will escape His sight. The New Testament makes this personal. Acts 17:30–31 calls everyone to repent because God has appointed a day to judge the world through Jesus Christ. His resurrection gives assurance that this day is coming.

The One who rose from the dead is the One before whom I will stand. He is my Creator. All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). And as a believer, I also belong to Him because He redeemed me.

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV

He made me, and He redeemed me at the cost of His own life. I cannot treat my life as though it has no accountability to Him. His authority to judge comes from who He is and the authority the Father has given Him (John 5:22–27). His love at the cross gives me every reason to trust Him now.

So today, I must respond.

Will I receive His salvation and rejoice in His victory? Or will I keep turning away from the One who calls me to Himself? If you have not trusted Jesus, come to Him today. Confess your sin. Turn to Him and believe in the Saviour who died and rose again. The invitation is before you now.

He has done marvellous things.
He has won the victory.
He is coming again.

And through faith in Him, I have a reason to sing.

Reflection

Am I trusting Jesus’ finished work, or still trying to make myself right with God? Does my life show gratitude to the One who created and redeemed me?

Prayer

Lord, You have done marvellous things. Thank You for sending Jesus to bear my sins and conquer death. I could not save myself, but You made a way for me to be forgiven and receive eternal life. Give me a grateful heart that rejoices in Your victory. Help me share Your saving message with others and live as someone who belongs to You. As I await Your return, teach me to trust Your righteousness and honour You with my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.