Everlasting

Guaranteed Inheritance

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have placed your complete trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the full payment for your sin, then your name is written in God’s will. It cannot be changed. It cannot be erased, questioned, or modified. What comes with your inheritance is God’s protection, strength, and care for your life on earth.

Leading up to verses 21-23 of Psalm 136, we read of God’s power and protection of His chosen people, Israel. No king was able to thwart God’s plan. God’s judgement upon those who are against His children is severe and complete.

The repeated phrase in Psalm 136 is “God’s lovingkindness is everlasting”. Let us review what this means. His lovingkindness is his mercy and favor towards His children. Consider Israel’s rebellion against God. Certainly, they suffered from the consequence of their own sin. Their defiance of God brought difficult circumstances upon them, yet God did not throw up His hands and disown or even neglect them. He allowed their discipline, yet carried them through, never abandoning them completely.

What do these truths mean for you? If you are a child of God – meaning you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord, choosing obedience to Him, and you recognize your need of Jesus as your Savior who died for your sins – then you have God’s protection. His mercy and favor are showered upon you. Even when you are unfaithful, He will remain faithful in His love for you.

God’s love and mercy is opposite to the love we often display. We only go so far, we become discouraged and give up on people, and we tend to display acts of love only when it is earned. Our love is often conditional, and dependent upon our feelings. God’s love is perfect, consistent, and independent of our actions. How do you respond to these truths? Is your heart full of thankfulness for God’s unconditional love? Are you reminded to show this same love towards others? In other words, when God is so willing to shower His love upon you even though you are undeserving, who are you to withhold love from another?

Not only is God’s love perfect, but it is also forever. There is no limit, no end, and no point in which He will completely withdraw His love from His children. Consider this, when you discipline young children does this mean you no longer love them? Of course not! It is loving to teach them right from wrong and help them avoid negative consequences. This is only a fraction of the picture of God’s love for you. Perfect, abiding love is incomprehensible, yet because of God’s mercy, we have it.

Psalm 136:21 speaks of God’s intended blessing for the nation of Israel, despite their disobedience. Psalm 136:21 says, “And gave their land as a heritage, for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. This verse follows the account of God’s power in slewing the mighty kings who tried to thwart His plan. God not only annihilated these kings but also blessed Israel with the spoils. Why? Because His lovingkindness is everlasting!

Read what Spurgeon says in the Treasury of David, “As Lord of the whole earth He transferred His estate from one tenant to another. The land did not become the property of the Israelites by their own sword and bow, but by a grant from the throne”.

What inheritance do you have as God’s child? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have placed your complete trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the full payment for your sin, then your name is written in God’s will. It cannot be changed. It cannot be erased, questioned, or modified. What comes with your inheritance is God’s protection, strength, and care for your life on earth. This does not mean there will be no difficulties, in fact we should expect difficult circumstances because people are sinful, but it does mean that you can trust God in all things. There is no fear of man or things being out of the control of God. He has got you covered!

Psalm 136:22 goes on to say, “Even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. Each blessing God chooses to bestow upon His children, magnifies His grace to them. Having our heritage in Christ is repeated in this verse so we should pay particular attention to this truth. Our heritage is guaranteed.

Israel as a nation is referred to as God's servant in this verse. Do you serve Christ? Have you recognized His grace? Do you willingly place yourself at His feet? What does it mean to serve? We all serve someone or something. Often it is ourselves we place on the throne of service – our wants, our needs, our likes, our dislikes, whatever makes us happy and gives us the feeling of fulfillment. Be willing to ask yourself who you serve. What is your purpose in life?

Christ did not come to earth to serve Himself. He came as an offering for sin for God’s children who are completely undeserving of His sacrifice. Christ came to serve God as the only way for us to be redeemed. There is no self in what Christ did. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”.

God’s lovingkindness assures His children of their inheritance in the kingdom of heaven – even though we are totally undeserving! This is what Psalm 136:23 says, “Who remembered us in our low estate”. Wow!

Remember who we are talking about.

The Lord Jehovah, the self-Existent, Eternal name of God (v.1).
The God of gods, Elohiym, the supreme God, mighty in all His ways (v.2).
The Lord of lords, Adoni, Sovereign over all, the One in control, Master and Owner (v.3).

This is who remembers us! In our human thinking, we can desire to be known by a certain group or person. To be part of the life of someone we admire is encouraging. There are all kinds of groups centered on belonging. We feel good when we are part of something bigger.

As God’s child, we are known by Him, we have been adopted into His family, and we belong in His eternal kingdom. Along with these truths, we are cared for by Him, strengthened by Him, made wise by Him, protected by Him, disciplined for our good by Him, encouraged by Him and unconditionally loved by Him. And His word says He remembers us – even in our low estate, even though we are undeserving and cannot begin to earn a place in His presence, God reaches down and secures for us a place with Him. Why?

Because His lovingkindness is everlasting, God’s mercy to us will endure forever – even though we are undeserving. Think of the account of Noah and punishment upon the whole earth. After a time, God caused the water of the great flood to subside. Genesis 8:1 says, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided”.

We might think we are not good enough to have a place in God’s presence. We are absolutely correct in that thought. Yet, we must remember that God did not send His Son for perfect people (there are none). Jesus came to save the lowly, the imperfect, sinners; all humankind are in need of a Savior. Without Christ, no one is ever good enough. No amount of good works will ever get a soul to heaven. We simply are unable to earn our own way. Identifying with a certain faith does not save you. Baptism will not save you. Going to church every Sunday will not save you. No amount of anything you do is able to save you. Complete dependence on the blood of Jesus shed for your sins is the only ticket to eternal life.

Psalm 113:7 says, “He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap”. 1 Samuel 2:8 uses similar words, "He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He set the world on them”.

What does this mean practically for God’s children? How does this truth apply to your life? God is always here to help us just as He delivered Israel from captivity in Babylon. If God can deliver an entire nation, do you think He is able to help you? How big is the God you trust? News alert – He does not need your intervention to accomplish His will.

I recently had a conversation with someone who is justifiably concerned with the subject of what is being taught and allowed in our public school system. It is difficult to hear that your young child is being directed to explore ideas that are worldly and sinful and directly against the commands of God. So, what do we do about this real problem? Not everyone is able to put their children in Christian schools, and not everyone is able to choose homeschool as an option. Will God protect His children from the wiles of Satan? Absolutely! Are the lies of mankind greater than the power of God? No way! But we do have a responsibility to be diligent to present God’s Truth from His word wherever and whenever we are able, especially in our homes and with our families.

God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. His plan will prevail, He will continue to bless His children and protect them even though they are undeserving.

Never Abandoned

God’s example to us is endless kindness, mercy with no bounds, and love which never fails and is not based upon our own merit. God’s mercy has nothing to do with us – we deserve nothing good – it is all about Him. He chooses to continue to show His kindness even as we disregard His great love for us.

Several months ago, I began posting a study on Psalm 136. I teach this study at the assisted living center where my Mom resides. It is a joy to gather with these elderly individuals and talk about how God is working in their lives. Although the majority of the residents use walkers and wheelchairs, they are receptive to God’s word and share great insight. I am always blessed and reminded that God’s plan for each of us to bring Him glory continues on no matter our own weaknesses. Many of those who attend the study have memorized “God’s lovingkindness is everlasting”, and each time we read this Psalm they chime in together with this important truth. I pray you are blessed as you study the word. If you imagine a group of 85 to almost 100 year olds smiling and reading aloud God’s truths, you’ll get a small taste of the atmosphere this study is shared in.

The common thread in this Psalm is the repeated words of God’s continued kindness. God’s lovingkindness or mercy is everlasting, it will endure forever. These words define the same truth. God has shown favor toward His children from the beginning of time and He will continue to do the same into eternity.

The one true God who is the author of all miracles, who in wisdom created the heaven and the earth, and sun, moon and stars, has reached His hand down to mankind in love.

God’s mercy was displayed in His judgment on the sin of those who were against the nation of Israel. His lasting protection over His children, and His strength, has no bounds.

These are truths from God’s word. Have you embraced God’s mercy, protection and guidance in your personal life? He has your back! Do you live in the truth of His everlasting love? Do you trust in Him fully even when He leads you into an uncertain path as He did the Israelites through the Red Sea?

Let’s continue on with our study beginning with Psalm 136:16 which says, “To Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His lovingkindness is everlasting”. Consider going on a journey. For some, the unknown is scary and uncomfortable. Others may look upon a journey as an adventure, not minding the uncertainty. In any case, having someone to accompany us gives us a sense of security.

Have you noticed that two or more individuals seem braver and stronger than any one person by themselves? What one person is unable to do by themselves, becomes doable when two are together. For example, we have five grandchildren living on earth. Three of them at this time are four years old. One four year old by them self is not too concerning. Two four year olds together somehow become braver than one alone. We have seen the boys attempt together feats they wouldn’t consider if they were by themselves. Next week, we will have all our grandchildren together – this means three four year olds. I fear an unsuspecting adult may end up tied and led to slaughter!! Bravery seems to escalate in numbers.

God led Israel through the wilderness. He didn’t say, ‘Hope it all goes well, good-luck’. He led them. This means God walked with them. He accompanied them and stayed with them as a sign of His love. The desert land that the nation of Israel journeyed through was not friendly. This was not a stroll in the park with a defined path, purposed shade, bathrooms and water fountains!

Wilderness means open fields. Picture a wild and uninhabited area. Deuteronomy 8:15 gives us a description of the area mentioned. It speaks of “fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water”. Consider the time period of Israel wandering through the desert – forty years! Hundreds of thousands of people on a journey through the wilderness with many dangers wrought around them, without comforts, because of their sin. Did they deserve this punishment? Yes. Was God merciful even in His discipline? Yes, He accompanied them, He exercised His lovingkindness toward them. God safely brought them through the wilderness.

Psalm 77:20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Nehemiah 9:19 You, in Your great compassion, did not forsake them in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud did not leave them by day, to guide them on their way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they were to go.

Isaiah 49:10 "They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water.

God brought His children out of Egypt and He led them through the wilderness. Even while they were continually disobedient, God faithfully exercised mercy toward them. He never stopped caring for them. We can easily give up on people but this is not God’s example to us.

Read this comment from The Treasury of David, “It is a very sweet truth which is enunciated in this verse, and one which I think we need very much to realize. His own people, His peculiar people, His chosen, loved, and favoured ones, whom He cherished as the apple of His eye, who were graven on the palms of His hands, and loved with an everlasting love, even these He led through the wilderness; and all this because ‘His mercy endureth forever.”

Do we recognize God’s faithfulness and mercy even during the wilderness times of our life? Do we trust that He will guide us through every difficulty?

Consider how often the world takes revenge into its own hands. When we perceive something is not fair, we choose it is up to us to inflict punishment. When we feel someone has done us wrong, we like to make a point of our innocence and see them brought down. However, it is not up to us to bring about judgement. God is the only righteous judge. He is able to see things just as they are. Therefore, in His time, He will strike down each iniquity against Himself. This truth is a comfort to those who love Him and desire to live for Him even in the midst of ridicule and adversity. Psalm 136:17 reminds us of God’s power against the strongest of men who oppose Him.

Ps 136:17 To Him who smote great kings, For His lovingkindness is everlasting,

Someone’s greatness is often perceived in the numbers of people who are loyal to them. Even the greatest of rulers – specifically here, the Pharaoh of the exodus who pursued the Israelites – were no match for God. Any strength on earth that seems formidable to men is nothing to God. Recall the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a famous giant living in Gath who resisted the army of Israel. Smith’s Bible Dictionary tells us Goliath was about 10 ½ feet tall. David enters the picture, a short statured youth holding a sling shot and stones. Of course Goliath sneers at the comical picture before him (I Samuel 17). What the giant does not see is God’s hand of mercy and kindness upon the Israelites. What the giant does not see is David’s heart desire to trust in God’s protection. There is no fear when God is our leader. He is fully able to carry out His intended plan.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Ps 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.

Verse 18 in this Psalm is similar to verse 17:

Ps 136:18 And slew mighty kings, for His lovingkindness is everlasting:

Even someone well-known and famous among nations has fleeting power. None can stand against God. When all else is taken from us, what good is a famous name? Our name or fame is absolutely nothing without God being the center, the purpose and the cause. God’s protection and mercy has and will always prevail. Read what Job says:

Job 9:4 "Wise in heart and mighty in strength, who has defied Him without harm?

Moving on to Psalm 136 verses 19 and 20, we are given specific accounts of God’s punishment and His destruction of kings who were against Israel.

Psalm 136:19-20 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for His lovingkindness is everlasting, and Og, king of Bashan, for His lovingkindness is everlasting,

First we have the example of Sihon [see-khone’], king of the Amorites. The Israelites requested to pass through the land peacefully but Sihon refused to grant permission and instead attacked the Israelites. Israel fought back and took possession of the land (Numbers 21:23-24). Next we read the account of the destruction of Og [ogue], the king of Bashan, who was a giant. According to John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testament, Og’s bed was “four yards and a half long and two yards broad”.

Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was an iron bedstead; it is in Rabbah of the sons of Ammon. Its length was nine cubits and its width four cubits by ordinary cubit.)

God reminded Moses to continue moving through the land and God would cause this king to fall just as He did Sihon. And so it happened. Israel was victorious over the king and land (Numbers 21:33-35). What is there to fear as a child of God? Nothing. Not the outward appearance of a formidable foe, nor the numerous armies of a great king can stand when God is the captain of the army. The nation of Israel recounted God’s victories for them in remembrance of His continued lovingkindness.

In what ways are you able to remember God’s protection in your life? How has He shown His unending mercy toward you? What have you to fear?

Tag: Everlasting

Guaranteed Inheritance

Like this:

Never Abandoned

Like this: