No Greater Love Than His

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love is eternal. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love is eternal.” (Psalm 136:1-3)

Thus begins Psalm 136. One notices the common refrain in italics. The author of this psalm remarks on the work and wonders of the Lord throughout, complimenting each Almighty act with that same simple and indisputably true statement.

Who made the waters, the lights, and the heavens above? God did; His love is eternal. Who parted the Red Sea and instructed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? God did; His love is eternal. Who strikes down kings and gives food to every creature? God does; His love is eternal.

And, had this Psalm been written in the aftermath of Christ’s crucifixion, no doubt it would have also said:

“He bore the burdens of sin; His love is eternal.”

For us, whose lives are quick and tumultuous, it’s difficult to fathom what eternal love looks like. How can one love another for all time? We can’t begin to process such a feat, but God is more than capable of such a deed, because He is love.

What does He say to His followers in the Gospels about self-sacrifice?

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

That’s what Jesus did on the cross. He laid down His life for all sinners everywhere so that they may be free from their sin, believe on Him, and come to repentance. In three days, through His death and resurrection, God made it so that the world could be reconciled to Him if only they put their faith and trust in Jesus and admit their need for a Savior.

We, the rebellious men and women that we are, all deserve the just punishment and penalty of death and hell. But through Him, through His love, we can have eternal life.

“Give thanks to the God of heaven! His love is eternal.” (Psalm 136:26)

Look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him in heaven. It is written:

“For it was You who created my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

God has known us since before we were born into this world. He knows our coming and going, the number of breaths we will take. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Many of us have been blessed with great and loving dads. Indeed, we mustn’t forget to honor our father and mother, for it is one of the great commandments. Yet even their love must pale in comparison to His. He is our Father before all fathers in this world. How Great is He!

Rejoice in his kingdom, for Scripture says:

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; Your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions. The Lord helps all who fall; He raises up all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 145:13-14)

May those who are lost find Him. May those who are found abide in Him. And may those whom He loves recognize and give thanks to Him and His glory. For as the psalmist says:

“Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:6)