“The Day the Lord Has Made”

Imagine the static in the air. Countless people rush to the nearest windows in their apartments, while others head out to the streets and major intersections of their hometown as news spreads. The iconic Times Square is filled with people in uniform celebrating the defeat of an immoral and evil regime called the Third Reich months earlier, and now the end of Imperial Japan’s expansionist ambitions. August 14th, 1945, marked the day the Allied Forces defeated Japan and World War II came to an end.

Imagine that type of reaction for a Rabbi from the region of Galilee, whose three years of ministry displayed the power of God, and whose close followers performed works to indicate the coming of the promised King who would deliver the people to their rightful place. The people rejoice. The children sing. The elderly have hope. The young see a better future ahead. The Heavenly Father sees the Lamb of God who takes away the Sin of the World.

Do I rejoice in God’s Mystery of Salvation?

Read Psalm 118.

1. We are called to remember God’s Lovingkindness. (v.1-4)

a. The word Hessed, meaning lovingkindness, invites the reader to consider God's steadfast and unwavering love, which is given out of His mercy and serves as a means of His grace.

b. The author reminds everyone belonging to God that the Lord’s abundant love is constant, unchanging, continuous, unforgettable, and pure.

c. From the family of Aaron to the everyday person who fears (reveres) the Lord, we are all called to remind ourselves that His tender mercies and His covenant love endure forever!

Hear the words found in Ezra 3:11

Ezra 3:11 LSB

11 And they sang, praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness endures forever upon Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised Yahweh because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid.

Do I rejoice in God’s Covenant Love?

2. God’s past faithfulness leads us to faith, trust, and obedience. (v. 5-9)

a. YHWH’s mighty hand is the reassurance of His people. The presence of God’s deliverance gives people cause to rejoice, regardless of the circumstances.

b. The constant reminder of God’s providence in our lives encourages us to reject fear and worldly constraints, helping us see the ways only God can provide.

c. The author highlights the importance of trust and how the world is vastly different from God. It is better to place our trust in God, His word, and His promises than in men, institutions, or anything that is temporary and limited.

Hear the words spoken through the Prophet, Jeremiah 17:5

Jeremiah 17:5 LSB

5 Thus says Yahweh, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from Yahweh.

Do I rejoice in God’s Salvation?

3. God’s prowess is a sure source of deliverance to us. (v. 10-18)

a. The text highlights the presence of difficulty, adversity, and challenges that press on God’s people. Yet, regardless of the tantamount oppression, we see God’s deliverance and promised presence.

b. The point made here is the overwhelming force displayed by the presence of God’s redemption and his ability to overcome the rising tide of those who make themselves articles and tools for evil oppression of those who worship God.

c. God delivers His people because He is holy and good. He displays His might and omnipotence when He saves, yet He delights to work through those who are weak and pitiful in the eyes of the world to make sure that His work is entirely His own. When God saves, He is magnified alone, and we are lifted up.

Remember the words of Moses as he praised God for His deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt, Exodus 15:9-12

Exodus 15:9–10 LSB

9 “The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be fulfilled against them; I will draw out my sword, my hand will dispossess them.’ 10 “You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Do I rejoice in God’s Presence in my life?

4. God is the gate that leads to eternal life. (v.19-21)

a. Here, the gates might refer to the gates of the Tabernacle or to the temple after the exiles returned home from Babylon. The focus is on fellowship with God, who is the path and gateway to righteousness through his own power and strength.

b. To have communion with God we must be made holy. This is a heroic task as we are unable to do it ourselves. False religions peddle this lie, even today, come and do that you may be made right with God. God calls the readers to enter by the atoning sacrifice of a substitutionary sacrifice, a blood not our own to cover our guilt of sin.

c. The only source we have for this particular redemption is in God alone, which points forward in the Scriptures to one who is able to enter in, to die, and then to rise once more. Here in these verses, God continued to display his goodness and redeeming work which points to the only begotten Son.

Hear the joyful hope of the Prophet’s refrain, Isaiah 26:1-4

Isaiah 26:1–4 LSB

1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for salvation. 2 “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, The one that keeps faithfulness. 3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace Because he trusts in You. 4 “Trust in Yahweh forever, For in Yah—Yahweh Himself—we have an everlasting Rock.

Do I rejoice in God’s work in me?

5. The Lord discloses that Victory lies in the Messiah’s sacrifice. (v. 22-29)

a. This is familiar verse as this is part of Peter’s sermon to the people of Israel about Jesus being the Messiah, the Promised Savior. Here we see the joy of the author as we see the promised redemption of God’s people. First to the people of Israel, and now to the whole world.

b. The blessing is pronounced on him who comes to bring the people back to God. The blessed one is the only one who as a fit Royal Priest is capable to bring us into fellowship with God. This is far better than the blood of bulls and rams. This is the perfect priest being the perfect sacrifice to bring perfect peace with a Holy God.

c. Because the proper sacrifice is now close to the Altar to remedy the issue of our guilt for sin, we have access to rejoice and remember the goodness of the Lord. So today, let us give thanks to YHWH, for He is good. His Lovingkindness endures forever.

Hear the Master’s words as he laments over Jerusalem, Luke 13:34-35

Luke 13:34–35 LSB

34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you did not want it! 35 “Behold, your house is left to you desolate, and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Do I rejoice in God’s Only Begotten Son—Jesus Christ?