Then they sang hymns and went out to the Mount of Olives. -Matthew 26:30
This verse of Matthew is in the context of the Last Supper Jesus ate with His disciples. Jesus broke bread, the symbol of His body, broken for us. He lifted up the cup of wine, the symbol of His blood, which was about to be poured out as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins on the cross of His crucifixion and which sealed the new covenant between God and His people. They were celebrating the Passover meal at twilight on the fourteenth day of Nisan as ordered in the Law of Moses. It is highly likely that Psalms 115-118 are the hymns they sang together.
Passover was the night all those years ago when all Israel was delivered from bondage and the oppressive slavery of Pharaoh in Egypt. The world looked upon the subjected condition of the Israelites wondering where their God was because it seemed that the gods of the Egyptians must be much more powerful than the God of the Hebrews. But, of course, this was not the case. God is God, the Living God, the God of gods, Creator of heaven and earth who has power and dominion and authority over all things. No Egyptian god, or idol, or even their wealth, or the strength of their mightiest men, or their military power with horses and chariots could stand a chance against the power of the God of the Hebrews.
Leading up to Passover, God called upon Moses to lead His people to salvation. God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He had heard the cries of His people, and the time had come for them to be delivered to freedom. In a mighty display of His power the Lord delivered His people through the Red Sea. Not by strength, nor by might, but by His Spirit. Not because His people were exceptional or worthy, but because of His love for them, His mercy on them, His faithfulness to the promise He had made, and to prove Himself to be exactly who He says He is.
Psalm 115 declares the Living God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him. We can sing it today, knowing all the more the deliverance of the Lord which has been provided for us through Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. We have been delivered from slavery to sin and we have been set free from the law of sin and death. We no longer live in dread of hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword because we cry out to our Heavenly Father, our God who will never forsake us and is mighty to save.
Being chosen by God to be part of His family and His household does not mean we will not have trials or endure suffering. At times, persecutors and oppressors will look on, mock our faith, and wonder where our God is because it appears that their way of life is superior to ours and that devotion to God is a worthless waste. But, of course, this is not the case. God is the same today as He was then, and He is faithful to deliver His own. No other god, or idol, or wealth, or power, or the strength of man, or force can stand against the power of God. And at just the right time, He will remember His promises, and He will bless those who fear Him. Not because we are worthy or exceptional, but because of His mercy, His loving-kindness, His faithfulness, and to prove Himself true.
Leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, God called upon Him to lead His people to salvation. God remembered His promise of a new covenant to bless all those who would believe in His Son. And in a mighty display of His power, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God delivered all believers to freedom from the oppression of sin, fear, shame, and death.
Read Psalm 115 today with fresh perspective. Whatever you are facing in your life today, place your trust in the Lord. Praise Him and give Him all the glory and honor He deserves. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 115 (New Living Translation)
Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Why let the nations say,
“Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk,
and throats but cannot make a sound.
And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.
O Israel, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
Originally published as: "Where is God - Psalm 115" - Reprinted from The Obedience of Faith Blog - Copyright © 2013 Wendy Bowen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE