Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
“Salvation for all in Christ”
Psalm 116
Vs 13“I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”
As one of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), believed to be sung by Jesus with His disciples on the night of His betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26), we can say with G. Campbell Morgan: “Whatever the local circumstances which gave rise to this song, it is evident that all its rich meaning was fulfilled, when in the midst of that little company of perplexed souls, the shadows of the One Death already on Him, Jesus sang this song of prophetic triumph over the sharpness of the hour of passion to which He was passing. He has made it over to all His own as their triumph song over death.”
This psalm is one of the most personal of all the thanksgiving psalms (note the many occurrences of the personal pronoun “I”). The psalm is composed of three distinct parts: first, a declaration of praise (verses 1-2); next, the psalmist recalls his troubles and how the Lord delivered him from them (verses 3-11); finally, he concludes with a description of what he will offer in thanksgiving for what the Lord has done (verses 12-19). Note that his thanksgiving will be given publicly, as the Jewish law required.
The psalm opens with a general declaration of gratitude to God, as the hearer of prayer by a true a believer. Only one who can testify that the Lord has answered his prayers or tasted the sweetness of the Divine mercy. A true believer always seeks his happiness from God and looks to God as his resting place for his soul. We often forget to give gratitude to the Lord for the many blessings we receive every day.
A prayer from a true believer is an appeal from helplessness to rejoice in the Lord’s power. David says, “He has heard my cry and my supplications.” We also should be able to say with David, “God has heard my voice and my supplication;” they have got the proof; they have received the reply.
One scholar sums it up well: “the intensely personal faith and love which mark this Psalm are not in competition with the public, formal and localized expressions of [it]. This flame is not withdrawn, to burn alone. Placed in the midst, it will kindle others, and blaze all the longer and better for it.” (Derek Kidner, Psalms 73-150: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity, 1973)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, provide me with the ability to seek your wisdom and guidance, not when I am in trouble but also when I am not in trouble so that I may kindle others with my faith in you. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When we are in the valley of death, the Lord will protect us and guide us through all trials and tribulations, especially during these pandemic times engulfed the entire world.
Lal Varghese, Esq.
MTC of Dallas, Farmers Branch.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church