GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are magnificent beyond our comprehension.
Read PSALM 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
“What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them…?” (Psa. 8:4).
This timeless song of praise comes from grateful hearts in praise of the God of love and grace. Its constant refrain leads us to imagine that it was sung responsively by the worshiping congregation, featuring the priests alternating with other worship leaders in the manner of Ezra 3:11.
The opening verses leave us in no doubt as to which God is being addressed. In words that echo Deuteronomy 10:17, he is identified as the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the one who has demonstrated his steadfast love in creation, in the history of his chosen people, Israel, and in his ongoing care for both. How often do we pause to acknowledge the wonders of creation? As science helps us discover more and more the expansive immensity of our universe, we have more reason than generations past to marvel at the understanding (5) and the enduring, steadfast love that put it all in place. Joining in this hymn of praise is an opportunity for us to acknowledge to God that both the infinitesimal worlds of nano particles and the gargantuan worlds of galaxies are the work of God’s fingers (Psa. 8:3).
For all this, he is not God at a distance (23–26) but “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). He undertakes in the life of his peoples and creatures. He chose one nation as the means of extending his steadfast love to all nations. He gave them his laws to keep, as we have been reading this past week. He gave land to them and defended them against their foes. But far from being confined to Israel, this grace extends to all creatures (25), and it includes his provision for every aspect of our well-being today!
Apply
Take time to praise the One who created things much smaller and much bigger than you can ever imagine!
Closing prayer
Lord, Your mercy truly endures forever, and Your creation luxuriates in Your love for us all.
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