1. As we examine Psalm 118 we see that it begins and ends the same way. 2. According to vs.1 and vs.29,: a. the Lord's people are to give thanks to Him b. the Lord deserves our thanks for 2 reasons. 1) First, "He is good." 2) Second, "His mercy endureth for ever." 3. In our lesson we are especially interested in the appeal made in vs.24. 4. This verse has 2 main parts: a. First, the Lord has made a particular day [by doing so the Lord showed that He is good and that His mercy endures forever]. b. Second, the Lord's people are to rejoice and be glad in that day [giving thanks to the Lord is one way we demonstrate joy and gladness]. 5. The point is made many times in the Bible that . . . Discussion: I. THE LORD'S PEOPLE ARE TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD
A. The Lord's people are to rejoice (Philippians 4:4). B. The Lord's people are to be glad (Matthew 5:12). C. Rejoicing and gladness are often joined together in the Bible (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, . . . II. LET US CONSIDER 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 4:10-11; Ephesians 2:19-22). 4. When this occurred, God demonstrated His goodness and mercy, and this is a reason for rejoicing and being glad. B. The Lord has made some additional days that deserve our attention. 1. The Lord's people understand 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. The Lord's people know that each 1st day of the week is a blessing from God. a. Some special events took place on the 1st day of the week. 1) Jesus was resurrected on the 1st day of the week (Luke 24:1-3). 2) The Lord's church was established on the 1st day of the week (Acts 2). b. The Bible teaches that Christians are to worship God on the 1st day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). c. On each 1st 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. The Lord's people understand that God has appointed a day when His Son will return in judgment (Acts 17:30-31). 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." 3. The day of salvation is a time for rejoicing and being glad (Acts 8:36-39).
