S13P3 – God’s goodness: a constant reminder of love
Psalm 136:10-22
To Him who struck the firstborn of Egypt, for His lovingkindness endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for His lovingkindness endures forever; with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who divided the Red Sea into parts, for His lovingkindness endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His lovingkindness endures forever; but tossed Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His lovingkindness endures forever; to Him who struck down great kings, for His lovingkindness endures forever; and killed mighty kings, for His lovingkindness endures forever; Sihon, king of the Amorites, for His lovingkindness endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for His lovingkindness endures forever; and gave their land as a heritage, for His lovingkindness endures forever; even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His lovingkindness endures forever
When God sent Jesus to die for our sins, He showed the full spectrum of his love for his creation in one awesome act. If all we knew of God was this, that He sent his son to die for us, that would be enough to paint a complete picture of his love. In his goodness, however, God does so much more. He fights our enemies for us and delivers us from impossible circumstances. He crushes kings and topples kingdoms. He parts the waters and sends food like rain from heaven. He is a deliver and a miracle maker, and his works are to be remembered.
These verses recite the goodness of God displayed in his deliverance of his children. It is a remembrance of how God has worked to save his people time and again, and there is a valuable lesson to be learned here. Sometimes we forget what God has done for us. The battles may remain fresh in our minds while the victories may escape our memories. But our testimonies come from God’s deliverance. That is the evidence of his gracious movement in our lives. Not only do these reminders encourage us as we re-enter the valley time and again, but they prove that our God is the one true God.
Today’s passage is a fond memory of God’s faithfulness and power. These testimonies are so impactful that they encourage us even today. When we face the seas, enemy armies at our backs, we know that God will deliver us. When the powerful suppress us, we know that God will deliver us. In his goodness, He shows his love for us without ceasing. Father, remind us daily of your power to bring freedom, and let us not forget the miraculous ways in which You, in your goodness, have delivered not only your children of old but each of us today.