Eternal Word
Psalm 119:89-96
Verses 89-90 Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.
Today we start the twelfth stanza. The psalmist starts this portion of his prayer song with praise for our faithful God.
"Your word, Lord, is eternal." The psalmist knew that God was eternal. While that doesn't seem like such a big statement to those of us post-resurrection, it was something that may not have been so widely understood in his day. They were so familiar with the temporal life and to some, God felt so far away. He finishes that sentence with the thought that God’s word stands firm in heaven. He understood that God was near and eternal, that was something of a comfort for him.
Knowing that God is eternal, it was obvious to the song smith that the word of the Lord was also eternal. But what does it mean that His word is standing forever? We often think of the law as something that will keep us on the straight and narrow which would lead us to think that heaven doesn’t need a law system since it is a sin-free zone. But the law is not about keeping a list of rules. This set of commands is the standard of righteousness. Righteousness that will never change.
This righteousness is what the psalmist is talking about when he continues talking about God’s faithfulness. It is His faithfulness in righteousness that is eternal. This man of song knew from his study of the law and love of the word of the Lord that God was forever faithful and that was evident in His commands. The word of the Lord is given so that we can know the relationship with God that He desires.
Then the psalmist shifts his praise to point out that God is faithful and that is the reason that the earth is enduring. While the earth continues without people obeying Him, He is continuously faithful to the purity of His holiness. This is the reason for the psalmist’s praise. He is in awe of the One who chooses to be faithful to many generations knowing that they can’t hold to His righteous standards. This speaks of His love as well as His mercy. We must come to understand God’s law and faithfulness as the psalmist did and choose to love the Lord and His word to the point of obedience.
Making It Personal
What does knowing God’s word mean for your eternity? Is God’s faithfulness inspiring for you in your faithfulness to God? How frequently do you praise God for His word?
Making It Personal Kids
Where is Jesus? What does it mean to you that Jesus’ word is eternal? Does knowing Jesus is faithful to you make you want to be faithful to Him?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and righteousness. We accept that Your word is eternal as we know that it reflects Your righteousness. Help us to be faithful to You and Your word for now through eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.