August 20 — Psalm 111

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”

“…the LORD is gracious and merciful.”

“…rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Joel 2:13

That the Lord is gracious and merciful is important, is salvific, because “all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” as Paul says so eloquently. (Romans 3:23)

This phrase about the Lord being gracious and merciful is repeated throughout the Old Testament — and the New Testament is the fulfillment of that phrase, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In other words, Jesus is the ultimate expression of our Lord’s graciousness and mercy.

What is to be learned from this Psalm is that the work of the Lord is honor and majesty — G-d is creator — our G-d is sovereign. But G-d is more — the Lord is gracious and merciful. The Lord remembers his covenant of promise forever. His name is holy and awesome. Our job, as followers, is to study the works of the Lord, which then leads to our fear of the Lord — which is awesome respect and trust, not fear and loathing. We will talk more about this “fear” in the next Psalm.

Let us pray:

Gracious and holy God, feed us at the table of holy wisdom, that we may honor, love, and obey you as your children. May we remember your wonders and ponder your works, so that we delight to do what you ask of us, by the power given to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.