Dec 18 - God's Loyal Love

God's Loyal Love

Sunday, December 18, 2022

by Rebecca Pruett

Psalm 117 - New English Translation

Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Applaud him, all you foreigners.

For his loyal love towers over us,

    and the Lord’s faithfulness endures.

Praise the Lord.

Did you know that if you counted all the chapters of the books of the Bible and then looked for the chapter in the very center of the Bible, you would find Psalm 117?  Although this seems small, I am convinced our powerful God controlled even this! In the center of His Word, He placed our primary priority - to praise the Lord who made us and showed us such wonderful, amazing love.  And as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded to praise the Lord, just like the angels did at Jesus' birth!

I especially love the word choice in the New English Translation - God's love TOWERS over us! It is so large and amazing, it is like looking up at a skyscraper! And this is not a frightening thing, it is a reassuring thing. His love, His loyal love, towers over US!  

Can you imagine such love that is loyal to us, even though we have sinned and done wrong things? This is why God sent Jesus! To save His people from their sins! Romans 6:23 tells us "the wages (or payoff) of sin is death" and that is what we deserved. But Romans 6:23 goes on to tell us that "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  So God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus....for us! 

I have a young son. He is ten years old and his smile makes my heart turn upside down. I look at him and wonder. I can't imagine sending him off to take someone else's punishment. I just don't love anyone enough to sacrifice my precious son. But God loves us so, so much, that He sent His precious Son to take our punishment! His loyal love....He loves us even when we turn our backs on Him and decide to do what we want instead of what He wants. God's loyal love. So loyal that He keep loving us. Such love that He doesn't give up. His faithfulness endures, it doesn't give up! 

And so, here, in the middle of the Bible, is our calling. Praise the Lord, all you nations! Applaud him, all you foreigners.  EVERYONE! Praise the Lord, First United Methodist Church! Applaud him, EVERYONE! Because our God, our Lord, He loves us! His love, His LOYAL LOVE, the love that doesn't give up on us, is bigger than us. And the Lord's faithfulness, His absolute faithfulness, does not give up on us!