Psalm 118: God's Mercy, Protection, and Salvation

DAILY REFLECTION

12/8/20233 min read

Psalm 118: A Song of Praise and Thanksgiving

Psalm 118 is a beautiful song of praise and thanksgiving, written by King David. It begins with a resounding declaration: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (v. 1). This verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of God's enduring mercy and love.

Throughout the psalm, we witness the psalmist's heartfelt expression of gratitude for God's protection and deliverance. The psalmist exclaims, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (v. 6). This verse not only reveals the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's constant presence but also foreshadows the ultimate protection and salvation brought by Jesus Christ.

Jesus: The Cornerstone once Rejected

One of the most intriguing aspects of Psalm 118 is its prophetic significance regarding Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus himself refers to this psalm, drawing attention to his role as the cornerstone. He says, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Matthew 21:42). This verse highlights Jesus' pivotal role in God's redemptive plan, despite being initially rejected by those who did not recognize his divine nature.

Jesus' identification with the cornerstone in Psalm 118 signifies his vital position in God's kingdom. Just as a cornerstone provides stability and strength to a building, Jesus is the foundation upon which our faith is built. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the cornerstone of God's plan for humanity's salvation.

God's Mercy and Salvation through Jesus

Psalm 118 repeatedly emphasizes God's mercy and salvation, which find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist declares, "The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death" (v. 18). The LORD is shown as sovereign over the nations in that He is able to restrain them from killing the author, even though they are surrounded by enemy nations The LORD protects because He is Mercy.

Furthermore, Psalm 118:22-23 states, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." This verse not only reinforces Jesus' identification as the rejected cornerstone but also highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's redemptive plan. Through Jesus' resurrection, God turned the rejection of the cornerstone into a marvelous act of salvation, bringing hope and eternal life to all who believe.

God's Protection and Deliverance

Another significant theme in Psalm 118 is God's protection and deliverance. The psalmist proclaims, "The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation" (v. 14). These words resonate with the assurance that God is not only our protector but also the source of our salvation. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who came to save us from the power of sin and death.

Moreover, Psalm 118:15-16 exclaims, "Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!'" These verses celebrate God's victorious acts and remind us of the triumph we have in Jesus' resurrection. Through his mighty work, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering us eternal victory and deliverance.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of Psalm 118, we are left in awe of the profound themes of God's mercy, protection, and salvation. This ancient psalm not only serves as a beautiful expression of gratitude but also reveals the remarkable connection between the work of Jesus in the Old Testament and his redemptive mission in the New Testament.