The Gateway of Grace - Psalm 118

The Gateway of Grace - Psalm 118 By Jym Cook

Psalm 118 Romans 5:8 Ephesians 2:8-9 Micah 5:2 Zechariah 9:9 Isaiah 35:5-6 Matthew 21:42 2 Corinthians 13:14

Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113–118), a liturgy sung by Israel to remember their deliverance from slavery.

Psalm 118:8 captures this tension perfectly: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people."

• The Place of His Birth The Gospel Truth: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, exactly as predicted, despite His parents living in Nazareth.
• The Manner of His Entry The Gospel Truth: Jesus deliberately chose this mode of transportation to signal His identity as the humble, Messianic King.
• The Nature of His Ministry The Gospel Truth: Throughout the Gospels, Jesus’ ministry was defined by healing the blind, the deaf, and the lame—works the Pharisees witnessed firsthand but attributed to other sources.
• The Rejection by the "Builders" The Gospel Truth: Jesus quoted this directly to the religious leaders in the Temple, essentially telling them, "You are the builders, and I am the stone you are throwing away." (Matthew 21:42).

The Lesson: The religious leaders missed Jesus because they were looking for a Political Conqueror, but the scriptures had clearly described a Suffering Servant. They were so focused on the King they wanted that they rejected the Savior they needed.

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was the ultimate "rejected stone." He was cast out, crucified, and buried. But God took that rejection and turned it into the Cornerstone of our salvation. The "day the Lord has made" is the day of Resurrection!

No More Fear: You don't have to fear the "nations surrounding you" because the Lord is your helper.

A New Song: Instead of the repeated lie of "I'm not good enough," your life becomes a Hallel—a "Praise."

OUR Mission: Carry out the Great Commission by making disciples of Jesus Christ as a Biblical and hope-filled church led by the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father. Matthew 28:19-20