RPG Adults
THE SHORTEST PSALM IN THE HEART OF THE BIBLE
TUESDAY, MAY 14
Psalm 117:1-2
Revelation 15:1-8
“… Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.”
THE SHORTEST PSALM IN THE HEART OF THE BIBLE
This Psalm, which is very little in its letter, is exceedingly large in its spirit; for, bursting beyond all bounds of race or nationality, it calls upon all mankind to praise the name of the Lord. In all probability it was frequently used as a brief hymn suitable for almost every occasion, and especially when the time for worship was short. Perhaps, it was also sung at the commencement or at the close of other Psalms, just as we now use the doxology. It would have served either to open a service or to conclude it. It is both short and sweet. The same divine Spirit which expatiates in the 119th, here condenses his utterances into two short verses, but yet the same infinite fulness is present and perceptible. It may be worth noting that this is one of the shortest chapter of the Scriptures and the central portion of the whole Bible.
“For his merciful kindness is great toward us…” (v.2). The Lord is kind to us as His creatures, and merciful to us as sinners, hence His merciful kindness to us as sinful creatures. This mercy has been very great, or powerful. The mighty grace of God has prevailed even as the waters of the flood prevailed over the earth: breaking over all bounds, it has flowed towards all portions of the multiplied race of man.
In Christ Jesus, God has shown mercy mixed with kindness, and that to the very highest degree. We can all join in this grateful acknowledgement, and in the praise which is therefore due. “And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.” He has kept His covenant promise that in the seed of Abraham should all nations of the earth be blessed, and He will eternally keep every single promise of that covenant to all those who put their trust in Him. This should be a cause of constant and grateful praise, wherefore the Psalm concludes as it began, with another Hallelujah, “Praise ye the LORD.”
(Spurgeon)
THOUGHT: All nations are comprehended in the mind of God.
PRAYER: Help me, O Father, to see as Thou seeth.