GRATEFUL FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF JOYFUL WORSHIP

In 2024, as we reflect on one hundred years of Dallas Theological Seminary, we affirm that the seminary’s primary purpose is, as the opening line of our mission statement declares, “to glorify God.” In our celebration of what God has accomplished, what better psalm to guide us in our hundredth year than “Old Hundredth” itself, Psalm 100!

The psalmist calls us to worship God with a heart and a mind of thanksgiving. And throughout the centuries, God’s people have responded in many forms and contexts. William Kethe composed a metrical paraphrase in 1561, “All People That on Earth Do Dwell,” sung to Louis Bourgeois’s tune, “Old Hundredth.” Many of us now cherish the fifth verse of that hymn as  “The Doxology”:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Him, all creatures here below;
praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Liturgical settings call Psalm 100 by its opening word in Latin, Jubilate (“O, be joyful”). The psalm’s superscript describes it as simply “a psalm of thanksgiving.” Structurally, Psalm 100 presents two balanced sections (verses 1–3 and verses 4–5), each section calling us to joyful worship and then explaining the reason for that worship. In just five verses, this psalm suggests seven components that should shape our thinking, prompt our worship, encourage our faith, and set the right tone for Dallas Theological Seminary’s centennial celebration. We’ll look at the first three components here, and then explore the other four in the next issue of DTS Magazine.

First, a royal recognition: “Shout joyfully to the Lord” (Ps 100:1 NASB). Hebrews conveys “shout for joy” with just one word, and we find that word in a number of the  “royal psalms” that extol God’s kingship. This command compels us to show our God no less excitement and loyalty than we would shower upon a good and beloved earthly king. And so, we must ask ourselves: What does God think as we come into his presence? Does he think we’re excited? Has he heard us shout joyfully lately? Psalm 100 reminds us that God seeks a royal recognition from us—and he is worthy!

The second component is global authority: “all the earth.” God is the king of the whole world, and he has been all along. His intent has always been that the world will acknowledge him as the one true God. Our allegiance, the psalmist tells us, is not to territorial gods or human-created idols, but to the true king. The question for the whole world is, Will you recognize him?

Third, joyful service: “Worship the Lord with joy” (Ps 100:2). In Psalm 2:11, people who are hostile to God are told to serve him “in fear.” But Psalm 100 tells us who have an established relationship with God to worship him “with joy.” Genuine service to the Lord requires humility, integrity, and responsibility. But above all, we are grateful for the privilege of serving God. Let us ask ourselves: Are we grateful for the privilege of serving the Lord with gladness?

Reflect on Psalm 100 in your time with the Lord, and let it draw you toward joyful worship of our King, the one true God of all. And join with us here at DTS as we thank God for his faithfulness, protection, and provision for one hundred years!

WATCH FOR PART TWO OF THIS ARTICLE IN THE FALL 2024 ISSUE!

About the Contributors

Mark L. Bailey

Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.