1. As we study Psalm 118 we must remember how it begins (vs.1) and how it ends (vs.29). a. The Lord's people are to give thanks to Him. b. The Lord deserves our thanks for 2 reasons: 1) "He is good." 2) "His mercy endureth for ever." 2. In our lesson we are especially interested in Psalm 118:24. 3. This verse has 2 main parts: a. First, the writer declared that the Lord has made a particular day [by doing so the Lord demonstrated His goodness and mercy]. b. Second, the writer called upon the Lord's people to rejoice and be glad in that day [one way we demonstrate joy and gladness is by giving thanks to the Lord]. 4. Let us begin by showing how . . .
Discussion:
I. THE LORD'S PEOPLE ARE TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD
A. The Lord's people are to rejoice (Psalm 105:3; Philippians 4:4). B. The Lord's people are to be glad (Psalm 100:2; Acts 2:46). C. Many times in the Bible, rejoicing [joy] and gladness are joined together (Psalm 9:2; Revelation 19:7). D. Because rejoicing and being glad are so important, we need to concentrate on matters that produce joy and gladness. E. With this thought in mind, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. SOME DAYS THAT THE LORD HAS MADE
A. In Psalm 118, the writer was telling about a day that would occur in the future. 1. We can identify that day from the information given in vs.22-23. 2. In Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus showed that the psalmist wrote about Him. 3. Jesus eventually became the chief corner stone of God's house, the church (Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:19-22). 4. When this occurred, God demonstrated His goodness and mercy, and this was a reason for rejoicing and being glad. B. Additional days: 1. Let us realize that every day is a blessing from God. a. God has been making days for a long time (Genesis 1:3-5). b. According to Psalm 19:1-2, the regular passing of days and nights indicates that God exists and that He is the Creator. c. When God blesses us with each new day He demonstrates His goodness and mercy, and this is a reason for rejoicing and being glad. 2. Let us realize that each first day of the week is a blessing from God. a. Some special events took place on the first day of the week. 1) Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1-3). 2) The Lord's church was established on the first day of the week (Acts 2). b. The Bible teaches that Christians are to worship God on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). c. On each first day of the week we are reminded of how God has demonstrated His goodness and mercy, and this is a reason for rejoicing and being glad (Psalm 122:1). 3. Let us realize that this particular first day of the week is a blessing from God. a. Today is the 1-year anniversary of the congregation. b. Over the past year God has demonstrated His goodness and mercy to us, and we have a good reason for rejoicing and being glad.
Conclusion:
1. In closing, let us consider another day that God has provided. 2. We read about it in 2 Corinthians 6:2 -- "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
