What did He sing?

‭Matthew 26:26-30 KJV‬
[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. [27] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; [28] for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. [30] And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

As a Gentile, there’s things about the Passover which escape my notice.

Until Sunday School this weekend, I had not asked, “What hymn did Jesus sing.”

Our Sunday School class which meets an hour before service has been going through the Gospel of Matthew and someone asked that question.

The Jewish tradition is the singing of the Hallel, which is the Psalms 113-118 during Passover.

The meal ends with 115-118.

Thus, Pastor turned to read Psalm 118.

He read and all listened.

‭Psalm 118:27-29 KJV‬
[27] God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. [28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Pastor Eric looked up from his Bible and surveyed the room.

“Can you imagine it? Jesus the sacrifice, sang ‘Bind the sacrifice with cords, even until the horns of the altar,’ as He was going to be sacrificed upon the cross.”

Nothing.

No sound, no comment, the room was silent as each heart pondered the momentous idea of Jesus singing these words on His way to the Cross.

The truth of what Christ endured for the redemption of those who would believe on Him is awesome.

To know that He chose to walk that path with rejoicing is incredible.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV — Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus Christ sang before He went to the Garden of Gethsemane, before He was betrayed by a kiss, before He was falsely accused, before He was condemned for being Himself, before He was brutally beaten, before He suffered torture…

He sang.

‭Psalm 118:28-29 KJV‬
[28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Because of God’s mercy, Jesus died for sinners, and because of His goodness, He rose again.

“Because there was no sin in Him (Jesus) death had no hold.” Pastor Eric

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for showing me something I’ve never really understood and definitely didn’t appreciate. Lord, thank You for showing us how awesome You are. You not only paid the price for sin, but You inspired the Psalms and knew these would be the words You would sing before Your sacrifice. No matter how often those words were sung before nor after that moment, they could never be as meaningful as when You sang them that night. Lord Jesus, thank You for the details. Thank You for caring so much. May Your name be glorified daily! Amen.

All I need

This morning, after chores, I was eating breakfast, praying for where I should read in my Bible.

I thought I was upset with our dog, but in retrospect, I think I was out of sorts.

God answered by leading me to Psalm 118.

‭Psalm 118:1-29 KJV‬
[1] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: Because his mercy endureth for ever. [2] Let Israel now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [3] Let the house of Aaron now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [4] Let them now that fear the LORD say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [5] I called upon the LORD in distress: The LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. [6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? [7] The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: Therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. [8]  It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. [9]  It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes. [10] All nations compassed me about: But in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. [11] They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. [12] They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. [13] Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: But the LORD helped me. [14] The LORD is my strength and song, And is become my salvation. [15] The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: The right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. [16] The right hand of the LORD is exalted: The right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. [17] I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD. [18] The LORD hath chastened me sore: But he hath not given me over unto death. [19] Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: [20] This gate of the LORD, Into which the righteous shall enter. [21] I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, And art become my salvation. [22] The stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner. [23] This is the LORD’s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes. [24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. [25] Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. [26] Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. [27] God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. [28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Just God’s Word was all I needed.

‭Psalm 119:16 KJV‬
[16] I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

His truth sustains me.

Psalm 25:10 KJV — All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for teaching me, encouraging me, guiding me, and exhorting me through it. Lord, I do not know half of the truths in the scriptures, but I am so blessed by what I do know and excited to learn more. Thank You! Thank You that Your Word is never boring, it never stops teaching me, and is always alive. Lord Jesus, please continue to open Your Word to my heart that I might walk in Your ways and learn You better each day. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your love and salvation. Thank You for the printed Word which brings these truths to my understanding. I glorify Your holy name, Lord Jesus. Amen.