2023_04_07 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Psalm 136, Hosea 11
Psalm 136 has been called the ‘Great Psalm of Praise.’ It tells of God’s steadfast and faithful love for us. Here are some of its verses:
“Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
To him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;…..
It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
And rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
He who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136: 3-4; 23-25
This Psalm was likely read or sang as a community. A priest or Levite would have called out a reason to give God thanks, and the people would respond with “for his steadfast love endures forever.” As the people were repeating this refrain, they were remembering what God had done. God had created the world, he had delivered them from slavery and gave them victory in battle. God was with his people, and nothing could separate them from his love.
It’s Good Friday today and I am reminded of a phrase I’ve heard before ‘we cannot fall out of the arms of God’s love.’ Today we remember what God has done for us. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate payment for our sin because his steadfast love for us endures forever. Romans 5:8 says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not require us to do anything before he saved us. God’s loyal love went beyond needing anything from us before the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, was made. But if we choose to love God, by doing so we give him thanks and praise for all that he has done.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
Good Friday Prayer
Heavenly Father, how great and how gracious your great redemption plan for mankind.
We thank You greatly as we walk through this day and commemorate the great love and sacrifice of Your beloved Son Jesus.
In Christ’s name, we pray, amen!
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead
Reference: https://www.st.ignatius.net