May 30, 2011

Psalm 117 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 16:1-8, Galatians 6:1-10, 2 Samuel 23

Journal Entry

Scripture

1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!

Observation

This short psalm of praise calls on all nations and all peoples to praise God. The gentile peoples are called to praise God. The reason for this praise is his steadfast love and his faithfulness. God shows his love and faithfulness in his creation and sustaining the universe. His love is demonstrated in his mercy although these nations and peoples rejected God. Ultimately, the love and faithfulness is fully manifest in Jesus. Jesus is the greatest demonstration of God’s grace and love.

Application

We are called to praise Him. Our praise is a result of God’s love and faithfulness. This is the nature of praise and worship. I am responding to what God has done for me. Praising God and worship is not a method to get something from God. I am to simply open my eyes and see what He has done, and then my natural response is praise. Another aspect of this psalm is that all nations are called to praise. This call also demands that his people (that means us) are meant to spread the good news of God’s steadfast love to those who have not yet heard this good news. I am to declare God’s goodness to unreached peoples so that they could praise God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we praise you for your love toward us. We are undeserving and unworthy, but out of your love, you saved us. Help us to see your love and faithfulness in our lives. Help us also to be your messengers so that all nations and all peoples can learn of your goodness and praise in response.

--J. Lim