S--Psalm 118
O--The last verse of the Hallel. The recurring theme has been praise and glory to the Great Name of God, who has no rival and no equal. The psalmist has rehearsed the many works God has done on behalf of His people, for their good and His glory. He finishes what would become a famous, pivotal song of praise for his descendants to this day. (Did he sense how impactful his words, led by the Spirit of God, would be?) He invites the country of Israel, God's covenanted nation, to recognize that God's unwavering love withstands the test of time. He invites the priests, God's covenanted leaders of His dwelling place-the temple- to recognize that God's unwavering love withstands the test of time. And he invites those who fear the Lord, the people who will be drawn in by their love of God, their respect of God, and those who will be drawn in through God's Son, Christ Jesus, under the new covenant, to recognize that God's unwavering love withstands the test of time!!! The psalmist calls on God and God sets him free (The word is "a broad place", wide open freedom!!) But although it's years and years before the verses John 8:36 and Galatians 5:1, the psalmist recognizes that true freedom means The Lord is at my side, I will not fear. We can take refuge in the Lord, who is stronger than nations, man, princes, and those who might hate us. God is not a rival to these things--He's far above all. God brings us strength, song, and salvation. He fights for us with His mighty right hand, always, always with courage and determination from the highest rank. God disciplines to draw us faultlessly through the gate of righteousness, through the blood of Christ Jesus. The hope of Christ was the salvation for the psalmist, and the work of Christ is the salvation for us. He is the stone that the builders thought wasn't good enough, but God says He is IT. He is the one that all of creation has been longing to see, and the day that He appears is a day of rejoicing. EVERYTHING is built on Him, Everything points to Him-- from eternity past to eternity future. The ones who lived before, the ones who lived then, the ones who lived since, the ones who live now, and the ones who will live soon--all who claim the name of God and of His Son are blessed. His light shines and that causes us to Praise!!! The psalmist ends this beautiful, passionate song of praise with thankfulness and applause to the Only One who is stubborn in His love for His chosen people, now and forever.
A--This chapter changes me because I see the plan of Christ unfold! I was not born a Hebrew or a Jew by nationality or religion--but I fear, respect, and love the Lord, so I'm invited, too!!! The redeeming blood of Christ, portrayed in the sacrifices as a foreshadow of He who would be the cornerstone, the main event, the Plan A from the beginning of time--binds us all together. And His banner over us is steadfast, unwavering, stubborn, never ending, love. Give thanks!!
K--You are my God, and I will give thanks to You; You are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever. Amen.
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