Рет қаралды 35,518
Sheet Music: www.jasonsilve...
Patreon: jasonsilver.co...
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
-----
Have you ever thought about the term, "the gate of the Lord," or "the gates of righteousness?"
It's mentioned in this Psalm, and I find it a curious expression. In ancient times, cities were protected by gates, and perhaps this word-picture is used to describe an entrance to the very city of God!
In any case, gates are typically used to keep things in, or to keep things out. In this instance, apparently the righteous are able to enter, and presumably the unrighteous may not.
Thinking about righteousness, I had an emotional conversation with someone very close to me last week. When we get together, there is often tension and frustration, because we have such different ways of looking at the world. This person has turned away from organized religion and Christianity in particular, because of the guilt they feel, and the sense that they could never be good enough for God.
Of course, none of us can be good enough for God, and that is the whole point of Jesus' death! He received punishment for our sins, so that we could be declared "not guilty!" To feel guilt as one tries to follow Jesus, is to miss the point altogether!
Like my dear friend, the psalmist, (probably David), seems to be aware of his own guilt. He realizes that he would not normally be admitted through the gates of righteousness, but that they've been opened to him anyway! He says in verse 21, that he thanks God for hearing his request, and for becoming his salvation!
I love the nuance of that phrase. "Becoming" his salvation, not just giving him salvation.
In Matthew, chapter 21, Jesus himself refers to this scripture, as if describing the impact he would have on the world! He was rejected, and through his death, he became the cornerstone upon which the whole system is aligned. He quite literally, became our salvation.
That sends chills right up and down my spine! This scripture is a powerful prophecy, written and sung hundreds of years before Jesus walked this earth! And we're meant to notice: reference to this Psalm is found in many places throughout the Bible, including Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Ephesians, and 1st Peter!
Would you like to enter the gates of righteousness? You simply need to ask that God become your salvation! Let your guilt go, don't worry about being "good enough." Just accept Jesus' sacrifice, the sacrifice he made for you.
Amen
-----
Psalm 118
A Song of Victory
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever!
2 Let Israel say,
‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’
...
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
#scripturesongs #psalm118:1-2,19-29