After Psalm 110, which is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament, Psalm 118 is the second most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. Our reading for today is found in verses 1-16, and the first verse proclaims that “God is good” (verse 1). Moreover, this Psalm contains much material that is repeated. For example, the expression, “His love endures forever” recurs four times in the first four verses. Repetition is a teaching tool that helps us remember all the “goodness” of the LORD. We notice that He “is with me” (verses 6-7); it is “better to take refuge in the LORD” than in other things (verses 8-9); and even “the name of the LORD” is an effective defense against our enemies (verses 10-12). Interestingly, the central verse of all of Scripture is found here, and notice what is says – “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (verse 8). That is the central message of God's Word to us! The “LORD’s right hand has done mighty things” (verses 15-16), and He provides “help, strength, and salvation” for us (verses 13-14). In the presence and under the protection of our eternal, immortal, and good God, what can our enemies, who are “mere mortals,” do to us? (verse 6). In this awful, dangerous world, Psalm 118 reminds us to stay close to Him.
In Jeremiah 11:18-13:27, we see evidence of Psalm 118 at work in the plot against Jeremiah’s life. “The LORD revealed their plot to him” (verse 18) God’s hand of protection and care for Jeremiah, who was “like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter” (11:19), was effective, and Jeremiah says, “I knew it, for at that time, He showed me what they were doing” (verse 18). In chapter 12, we see a curious passage; the prophet raises a complaint before the Lord about His justice. He says, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper, and why do the faithless live at ease?” (verse 1). We have often wondered about questions like Jeremiah’s. This passage shows us that God is freely open to receiving our most concerning questions – we may ask God questions – but we may never question (i.e., accuse) God. There is an important distinction. When a child doesn’t understand something about life, he should turn to his parents and ask them about it. God wants us to come to Him and ask legitimate questions. That’s very different from calling God’s motives and actions into question – which we should never do. He is always right in everything He does. Notice the gist of God’s answer – “They will sow wheat but reap thorns; they will wear themselves out but gain nothing” (verse 13). God is saying that, in due time, the wicked will receive back much worse than they originally bargained for. Chapter 13 supplies us with the story of Jeremiah’s linen belt, Israel’s sarcastic response to God about wineskins, and God’s promise that Judah will go into exile.
Colossians 2:6-23 carries the idea from Psalm 118 even further. Paul tells us that we are “rooted and built up in Him [i.e., Christ] (verse 7). Christ has “strengthened and brought us to fullness in Him over every power and authority” (verse 10). We have “a circumcision – not done by the hands of men – but by Christ, with Whom we have been buried in baptism and raised up through our faith in the power of God” (verses 11-12). This refers not to ritual baptism, but to real baptism – the baptism of the Holy Spirit – Who places us in Christ at the point of our salvation. Thus, Paul makes clear that we have an incredible heritage as children of God – Who, like a “hen gathering her chicks under her wings – so desires to care for and protect us” (cf., Matthew 23:37). We are safe only by finding refuge in Him!
(About today's artwork: "Little Farm Scene I" is a miniature work of art, just - 1.5" x 2.5" in size.)
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