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Psalm 136 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, and favor. This is the translation for the Greek word checed which appears in every verse of this psalm.
The application for today is simple. Recount the ways in which the Lord has shown you mercy. Let your mind flash back to all the times you decided foolishly to serve yourself instead of Him. Think back to the days when you walked in rebellion, striving against the truth God clearly placed before you. Reflect on the times when you willingly chose to do wrong despite knowing the right path to follow. We’ve all been there.
I remember many times in my life when it would have been appropriate and absolutely fair for God to give up on me. He showed me His love instead. I remember times when I made absolute promises to God about changing my life and never followed through. In those moments, He showed me His grace. Yes, there were consequences. There always are. However, it doesn’t change the fact that God continually and aggressively loves us despite.
Randy Alcorn recounts a story relating to God’s love…
“Imagine a great and generous king. In the midst of his benevolent reign, he hears that his subjects have revolted. He sends messengers to investigate. The rebels kill them. So he sends his own dear son, the prince. They murder him viciously, hanging his body on the city wall. What would you expect the king to do now? Send his armies and take revenge, right? Kill those rebels! Burn their villages to ashes! That king certainly has both the power and the right to avenge himself.
But what if the king turned around and offered these criminals a full pardon? “I will accept my son—whom you murdered—as the payment for all your rebellion. You may go free. All I require is for you to admit your transgressions and embrace my son’s purchase of your forgiveness.” We’d be stunned—blown away—to hear this, wouldn’t we? But the king’s not finished. “I invite any of you to come live in my palace, eat at my table, and enjoy all the pleasures of my kingdom.
And I will adopt you as my own children and make you my heirs, so everything that’s mine will be yours forever.” Incredible. Then he says, “I won’t force you to accept my offer. But the only alternative is spending the rest of your life in prison. The choice is yours.” Can you imagine someone responding, “How dare the king send anyone to prison? What a cruel tyrant!?”
This is God’s grace to us. If trying to comprehend it doesn’t stretch your brain, you just aren’t getting it.”
Randy Alcorn