God’s Word of Mercy and Forgiveness
Introduction
Psalm 118:15-29: It is thought that this psalm was adapted from a prayer of thanksgiving by an individual, perhaps a king, who was delivered by God from danger. Therefore, this psalm is sometimes entitled “A Song of Victory.” Today’s reading is the conclusion to the psalm which describes a liturgical procession and an affirmation of God’s eternal love.
Scripture Reading
15Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God’s people:
“The Lord‘s mighty power has done it!
16His power has brought us victory—
his mighty power in battle!”
17I will not die; instead, I will live
and proclaim what the Lord has done.
18He has punished me severely,
but he has not let me die.
19Open to me the gates of the Temple;
I will go in and give thanks to the Lord!
20This is the gate of the Lord;
only the righteous can come in.
21I praise you, Lord, because you heard me,
because you have given me victory.
22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless
turned out to be the most important of all.
23This was done by the Lord;
what a wonderful sight it is!
24This is the day of the Lord‘s victory;
let us be happy, let us celebrate!
25 Save us, Lord, save us!
Give us success, O Lord!
26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
From the Temple of the Lord we bless you.
27The Lord is God; he has been good to us.
With branches in your hands, start the festival
and march around the altar.
28You are my God, and I give you thanks;
I will proclaim your greatness.
29Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good,
and his love is eternal.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 118:24
This is the day of the LORD’s victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate!
Reflect
The opening and closing verses of this psalm are identical and affirm God’s goodness and enduring love (see also verse 1 of Psalms 106 and 107). For what is the psalm writer thankful? What verses speak of God’s deliverance? The psalm also includes a reference to a procession (verses 19-27). Have you ever participated in any type of religious procession? If so, what was the occasion and where did it take place?
Pray
Praise to you, Lord God! You are always with me and I need not fear. You are mighty and victorious. I give thanks to you because you are good and your love is eternal. You are my God, and I will proclaim your greatness. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Hosea 1:1—2:1: The prophet Hosea is told to marry an unfaithful woman.