I've noticed that I'm repeating some stories I've told over the years. They must be in great demand. Who wouldn't want to hear them for the umpteenth time? The problem is that I've forgotten that I'm regurgitating the same old, same old. Can't be due to my age, can it? Please, don't answer!
Do you know why I feel much better when reading Psalm 118? Here's why--certain phrases and words get repeated over and over. We're told that good teaching requires repetition. If I hear something five times, it may stick in my craw. Maybe. Hopefully. What was that again?!
Remember. Cover the same ground. It's why Christmas, Easter, and Lent warrant our attention every year. Like seasons keeping the rhythms of creation. Refreshing our minds and hearts with familiar Bible stories. Why is this important? Are we that forgetful? Frankly, yes. Without reminders, we'd be clueless. So, let's hear from the Lord again...and again. His familiarity will never breed contempt. Quite the contrary.
Here are those words repeated four times in Psalm 118: 1-4--'His steadfast love endures forever.' The phrase 'steadfast love' in Hebrew is but one word. It's hard to translate into English. But let's give it a shot. Basically, it means loyalty, faithfulness, promise-making, and -keeping; and, again, steadfast love. Too good to be true? Not for our God!
For a committed believer in Jesus, the gist of that one Hebrew word is worth repeating-- 'Jesus' faithful love for me knows no end, ever.' Say it over and over again. All week long. He's ever faithful. Always keeping any promise that He makes. Loyal to the nth degree. Say it again... 'Jesus faithful love...'
Thank you, Jesus, for words to live by. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment