Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 117 (ESV)
Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
2For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
What is your most valuable item? A piece of jewelry? A piece of furniture passed down by several generations? I am always intrigued by the treasures presented on the classic television series, “The Antique Roadshow.” Participants cart their flea market finds and family heirlooms all across the countryside in hopes of discovering that their item is worth a fortune–and some are! One of the most expensive items ever to be featured on the program was a collection of 18th century Chinese cups carved from rhinoceros horns. The little set was appraised for a whopping $1-1.5 million at auction.
Psalm 117 is also a unique find, as it is found to be the shortest chapter in the Bible. And this tiny chapter reminds every believer that they too hold a priceless gift worthy of praise. The psalmist calls “all nations” and “all peoples” to praise God because His great love extends to all. “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life” (John 3:16, The Message). By His unchanging love, God offers this gift of salvation to every man, woman, and child through Christ.
Great is his steadfast love toward us. Psalm 117:2 speaks of God’s love that is not only big, but also powerful. His love is steadfast. The only thing that changes about God’s love is that it changes you and me. Isn’t that wonderful? We come to God broken and lost, and maybe even wondering our value and worth, and He redeems us.
We are His priceless treasure valued at an immeasurable cost. The precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ paid for our sin and conquered death. And that is not just an wavering appraisal value like our earthly trinkets hope to find. The work on the cross is finished, and we can hold our head high as a Child of God today. We are loved, forgiven, and His. Whatever scars you bear today, let them remind you of the hands and side of Jesus that were pierced for you and me. To God we are priceless! There is no shame found at the cross, only treasure.
The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. What endearing words for us to read today! Aren’t you thankful your value never changes? God’s love for you and me is incalculable, but also enduring. What a mouthful of praise that gives us to tell about our Lord! Who in your world today needs to hear they are priceless and steadfastly loved? Tell them of the hope and love they can find in Jesus.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I am humbled by your great love for me. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and saving me. Open doors of conversation this week in my acreage of peoples and nations, and give me boldness to praise you. May the Holy Spirit give me words to speak with clarity to a heart that needs to hear of your love this week. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
James 5:16- Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.