December 18, 2021 – Psalm 118:17 & Luke 24:5-7

Jesus knew the OT prophecies, and he knew what they foretold about him. After all, he was the ultimate author of those prophecies. The psalmist seems to be speaking, not so much for himself personally, but in the name of Israel as a people. They had nearly been wiped out but now the danger was past, and he invited Israel to declare, “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 118:2). Israel’s testimony became, “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 118:17).

As he promised, the Lord delivered his people Israel. As the Lord promised, he sent to Israel a redeemer, and even the nation’s own experience presaged the ministry of Christ.

In his commentary on these verses, John Gill wrote, “Yea, these words may be considered as the words of Christ; who, though he came into the world to die, and did die for the sins of his people; yet he knew he should not die before his time, nor should he continue long under the power of death; but should live again, and live for evermore, and not die; death should have no more dominion over him.” And, so, there before the tomb, frightened with their faces to the ground, the two men in dazzling apparel said to the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again"'" (Luke 24:5-7).

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! --Charles Wesley (1739)