Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalm 136:1-9
Psalm 136, where the phrase “His steadfast love endures forever” echoes repeatedly. We see this in the passage where God introduces Himself to Moses by showing only His back, and also in the confession of the Israelites, who fell in fear after witnessing the glory of God filling Solomon’s temple. When one encounters the true essence of God, it becomes impossible not to confess God’s love.
Thus, God’s eternal name is Father and Son, and when the Holy Spirit, who facilitates this relationship of love, comes, God’s love is poured out. We begin to call Him “Abba, Father,” and the prominent characteristic of those led by Him is also love.
God is love, and He said that if one does not love their brother, no matter their doctrinal knowledge, in practical terms, they still do not know God.
Because this love was confirmed through the cross, faith centred on the cross should not be explained as merely a “ticket to salvation” for entering heaven, but rather as a tearful song of the Father’s love.
The late Pastor Kim Jun-gon, who founded Korea’s Campus Crusade for Christ, had a famous “100 Questions and 1 Answer.” On the last day of the retreat, the pastor would shout out 100 questions until his voice strained, and thousands of college students would respond with one answer, “Jesus Christ!”
As I meditate on Psalm 136, I imagine how the worship in heaven will be similar, where no matter the story told, the refrain will always answer that God’s love endures forever. The reason for eternal worship in heaven is that His love was eternal and will continue to be. I want to be someone who can confess this as I reflect on all the circumstances of my life.
