Psalm 100

Read Psalm 100 ESV

Who - An unnamed psalmist talks to the gathered worshipers.  

What - This is a psalm of thanksgiving according to the title.  The psalmist is calling the gathered worshipers to give thanks to the LORD.  He calls on them to declare the LORD’S steadfast love for them.  

When - Unstated.  Probably at a festal gathering at the temple.  

Where - Unknown, probably Jerusalem.

Why - No particular event is associated with this psalm, so the purpose seems to be for general thanksgiving, probably as part of a festal gathering.  

How - The Psalmist opens with a call to make a joyful noise to the LORD and serve him with gladness.  The psalmist gives the reason to do this as being the LORD’S people and he being their Creator.  The third stanza is another call to praise and give thanks.  Last stanza gives the basis for this second call to praise and Thanksgiving, the LORD is good, his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness endures to all generations.  

So What 

1. We can do this for the same reasons.  We can thank and praise the LORD for being our creator and making us the sheep of Jesus’ pasture.  We can praise and give thanks to the LORD for his steadfast love to us through Christ and his faithfulness to the generations of the church.  
2. We do well to stop and remember what God has done for all of us as his children, adopting us into his family.  That is worthy of thanksgiving apart from any blessings he has given us.  
3. Making all believers his people gives all Christians a common bond which is also a unifying bond.  And our divisions over this or that stop being divisions, at least for a moment, at the foot of the cross.