Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

In Psalm 117, all people are called to praise God for His loyal love and His enduring truth. Psalm 118 speaks of the vital stone in God’s building, rejected by men but chosen by the Lord.

What does it mean?

Psalm 118 is a messianic psalm that looks forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly demonstrated God’s truth and love described in Psalm 117. God’s people can praise His unfailing love, faithfulness, and enduring truth. As the Lord Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds praised Him, reciting Psalm 118:25-26: “Hosanna [Save us]! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11). Later that week, Jesus applied verses 23 and 24 to Himself – the Stone the builders rejected was the One chosen by God. However, the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus. They had no idea they were looking at their long-awaited Messiah and King – God’s love and truth embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ.

How should I respond?

Two thousand years later, reactions to Jesus remain the same. Some have trusted Him for their salvation, while others have rejected Him. Which group are you in? Have you experienced the unfailing love of Jesus Christ? How have you seen His truth revealed in your heart through Scripture and the teaching of the Holy Spirit? As a believer, God’s love and truth now reside within you. Look at people today through His eyes. Only the truth found in Christ can free them from sin's power. He loves them deeply, just as He loves you. Who will you tell today about His unfailing love and faithfulness?