The Glory of the Not-Yet
By Christopher Hendrix
Even though Christmas time has passed, certain Christmas songs continue to be sung around our house. One such song joyfully sung is Joy to the World! I don’t mind too much though, because this song ought to be sung all year. The beauty and truth wrapped together leads us to worship the Lord! Have you ever considered this song before?
In the first 2 verses, a shout of proclamation and praise is given to Christ as Creator and Redeemer. In writing this song, Isaac Watts took Psalm 98 and applied a Christological interpretation to it. Psalm 98 exhorts the Earth to sing for joy to the Covenanting God as Creator and Redeemer. This joy originates from His work as Redeemer (Ps. 98:1–3), but demands praise from all people, including unbelievers (Ps. 98:4–6). This work as Redeemer even elicits praise from creation (Ps. 98:7–8). In the “not-yet,” a future coming of the Lord is promised to judge all people (Ps. 98:9). The lyrics in the beginning 2 verses match Psalm 98 with Christ in view.
Throughout Scripture, whether explicit or implicit, the effects of the first Adam and the second Adam are given. Genesis 3 details the curse of the first Adam, but Romans 8:18-25 tells about the work of the second Adam. The curse of the first Adam brought chains. The resurrection of the second Adam brought freedom. Because of Christ’s resurrection, the final resurrection of the saints will bring freedom to creation. One day, Christ will put all things right including creation. This work will be as comprehensive as the curse. Everything the curse touched, the blessing will make new. This is the glory of the “not-yet.”
However, as Christ, the Creator and Redeemer, rules presently. In the “already,” He is making all things new (Rev. 21:5). This making involves putting all his enemies in subjection to Him and under his feet (1 Cor. 15:25). The final enemy, death, will be abolished at this point (1 Cor. 15:25–26). Sins, sorrows, thorns, and thistles are being overcome through each believer, by our faith, because of Christ (1 John 5:4–5). Christ is building his church and assaulting the losing defenses of darkness (Matt.16:18). The nations are being taught the commandments of Christ and disciples are being made (Matt. 28:16-20). Though the “not-yet” could be thousands of years away, Christ is ruling and working even now in reversing the curse. The effects of His resurrection are being felt, and sung about in the third stanza.
As Watts closes out the song with the 4th verse, Jesus Christ rules with truth and grace because He is the very definition of truth and grace (John 1:14). The nations ought to worship Him and acknowledge Him as King (Ps. 2:10–12). They are called to do it now, or be made to do it in the future (Phil. 2:10). And certainly, His love as Redeemer is seen through the work of salvation. This work demonstrated God’s glorious and wonderful love (Rom. 5:8). Harkening back to Psalm 98, the work of Christ as Redeemer should produce joy and worship of all the world. For the believer, this joy and worship is to Christ as Redeemer and Creator.
So, continue enjoying the song. I won’t judge you. After all, it’s a joy to sing about the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even more, may we desire to see the world rejoice and praise our God because of our joy!