15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more. – We all know that this is true, but is it? On the basis that death is the end you may well assume that you can ‘eat, drink and be merry’, be narcissistic and live life in self satisfaction. Is the grass concept the whole truth?
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting (constant) on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Summary: I think that to think of ‘ from everlasting to everlasting‘ as being constant is very reasonable. with the word concept which I introduced above that gives us 5 C‘s to consider.
1 Concept – we need and are prone to think of life as being about 70 years but in these times from stillborn to maybe a 120 years or slightly very occasionally a bit more. And that is how many reason but is not true! Death is not the end and thinking as if it were true makes a huge difference in choices made and the life lived out!
2 Constant – This is talking about the character of God which is forgiving, enduring and constant but as we read yesterday ‘He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.’ This does not mean that God’s everlasting character end but there is a point when action is taken. Who wants eternity to be marked by the rebellion against God by which the present era is so messed up?
3. Children’s children – There are sadly people who don’t think much about their children but, thank God, most parents desire the children to have a rich and blessed life. God’s promise is that if we love Him He will show His Constant love for some generations. Not surprisingly they as part of God’s creation have to make choices!
4. Covenant – What is a covenant? In this instance they are agreements between God and man. Usually they have notes, conditions, where the promisorial aspect of the agreement is invalidated. In this Psalm the condition is named as ‘obedience’. The next line reads
5. Commandments! God’s commandments are to be remembered and acted upon (done, obeyed)!
Having been given this letter in the “c’s” Four times we are told to Bless the Lord. To bow our heads and knees in submission to Him.
James 1: 12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Prayer: I hear and I understand. Please help me to obey.