10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)
[Theme] His steadfast love endures forever
After thanking God for “Who He is and “What He does”, the second half of this poem allows us to see many of God’s ‘works’ and makes us want to give thanks to Him! According to the poet’s description, what we see includes:
God’s Redemption (vv. 10-15): God delivered His people from Egypt, divided the Red Sea from it for them cross the sea, and let the sea swallow up the Egyptian soldiers behind them.
God’s Guidance (vv. 16-17): In the wilderness, God continued to lead His people, guiding and protecting them from disaster.
God’s Keeping of Covenant (vv. 18-22): In order to lead the people to the Promised Land, God removed fierce enemies and their kings. This demonstrated the faithfulness and love of God.
God’s Providence (vv. 23-25): After arriving at the Promised Land, God did not give up and leave His people to fend for themselves, but gave sufficient provision to take care of them.
In the last verse, it shows the where He truly is – He is God in heaven, ruling over all things on the highest throne; his authority and wisdom far exceeding everything on earth. We are to give him thanks, to glorify him, to offer him everything we have!
[Meditation]
A generally unappreciative person doesn’t seem to need favors from others, thinking that he does not need the assistance of others in anything, and can have many achievements only by relying on his own ability and knowledge. From a worldly point of view, this may be considered a very successful person. But from a Godly point of view, this man is too proud and arrogant! In the presence of God, we really have nothing to boast about, everything is God’s grace.
Dear brothers and sisters, through this psalm, let us contemplate: how many things we have experienced in our lives have not come out of God’s abundant love? How many of our achievements are not by the innumerable grace of God? How can we shut our mouths and not give thanks to Him?
[Prayer]
Thank you, God, that you have saved me through the Lord Jesus Christ and you have triumphed; thank you God for the countless blessings in You; thank you God for your steadfast love that endures forever. I want to always think of Your love and grace and be a grateful and appreciative person!
[Memory Verse]
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.