Instruction
Scripture: Psalm136:1-9
This psalm was probably used responsively in worship. Its
simple response allows it to include all the people who were there who could
speak; no reading or memorization necessary. The psalm directs the hearer to
give thanks to God, repeating over and over again, “for his steadfast love
endures forever.” So this psalm functions as a type of liturgy to lead the
people to give thanks for who he is, what he has done, and, of course, for his
steadfast love.
Teaching
The steadfast love of God is essential to his character. It
is because of his steadfast love that God does all the good things he does for
his people. It is his chosen attitude toward us: steadfast love. We should take
note of those words. It is not merely that God loves us, but his love is
steadfast, unchanging, and unbreakable. In this way we can understand this
steadfast love as another way of speaking of God’s grace and the love that
moved him to give Jesus to redeem us.
The psalm itself divides into five sections; verses 1-9
being the first two. The first section declares God’s uniqueness among the gods
because his steadfast love endures forever. The gods of this earth may be
fickle in the affection for people, but God’s is not! The second section
describes God in regard to the glories of his creation, which are also
attributed to his steadfast love. Even the beautiful things we see in this
world are the product of God’s steadfast love.
Life
This psalm urges us four different times to give thanks to
God. What do we have to give thanks for? How about these things that Luther
includes in this definition of daily bread: food,
drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout
husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good
government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good
friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
Even greater than these things, though, is the good news
that God’s steadfast love endures forever. The one who is greater than all the
gods and created all the marvels of this world has looked upon us and loved us
in such a way that nothing can break that love. In fact, when we sin against
him he continues to love us, and that is why he gave Jesus to redeem us and
reconcile us to him. Give thanks, indeed!
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the theme of Thanksgiving.
We give you thanks, O Lord, for you are good and your
steadfast love endures forever. You are the God of gods and Lord of lords, and
you have pledged your steadfast love for us will last to eternity. Thank you!
You created this world and all its wonders: the heavens, seas, and land, and
the sun, moon, and stars and you sustain them because your steadfast love
endures forever. Thank you! When you saw mankind’s condition and knew our
broken sinfulness, even then, your steadfast love endured and we give you
thanks and praise! You did not leave us in our sin, but cleansed us with Jesus’
blood shed for us. Why would you do that? Because your steadfast love endures
forever. Thank you, O God! Amen.
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