One of the most quoted verses in the Psalter is Psalm 118:23. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Perhaps you grew up singing the children’s chorus that simply repeats those two lines, or you have heard teachers and parents recite this to you as you began your day, or you have found it inscribed on beautiful pictures of nature, or better yet, on a coffee mug. The point is, not only is this verse one of the more quotable verses, but it’s one of the most quoted verses out of context. The Psalmist isn’t speaking of any given day on the calendar, he is specifically talking about the Lord’s fulfilled covenant in redeeming His people. It makes perfect sense why this stands at the end of the Hallel psalms (Ps 113-118—praises sung during the Passover in light of God’s redemption of His people). The entire Psalm anticipates the final and lasting salvation that is accomplished by the person and work of Christ. It’s increasingly apparent that Psalm 118 reflects the work and hope of the future Messiah when you read the concluding events of Jesus’s early ministry. In both Matthew 21 and Mark 11, Jesus is rightly identified as the Son of David during His triumphal entry. The crowds welcome Him into Jerusalem with shouts of excitement and praise, saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (see Ps 118:26). Luke also records Jesus receiving similar accolades and praise from His disciples when they shout, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Lk 19:37-40). Both the psalm and the New Testament contain the elements of feast, worship, and sacrifice. In Psalm 118, the king leads Israel in a worshipful celebration of God’s deliverance at the temple. In the Gospels, the people are in Jerusalem engaged in a worshipful celebration of God’s deliverance from Egypt and are hopefully anticipating His deliverance again. God is a covenant-keeping God, and Jesus provides the undeniable proof. Just as Yahweh saved His people through the Davidic king in Psalm 118, so Yahweh is now saving His people through the Messiah, the Son of David, the King. Let us rejoice in THAT day and may we ever give thanks to the Lord for His covenant faithfulness and everlasting kindness in sending His Son and saving our souls! –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
8:45AM: Palm Sunday Brunch
10AM: Pastor Rory–Covenant Keeping God–Psalm 118 (sermon notes)
6PM: Evening Gathering–Missions Emphasis Night
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