PODCAST
The Last Stanza
November 27th, 2013
Psalm 89:38-52
Psalm 89 is a powerful hymn. The first stanza (vv. 1-18) exalts God’s faithfulness, righteousness and justice. The second (vv. 19-37) rejoices in the Lord who is mighty to save. The final stanza (vv. 38-52) takes a somber turn; it begins with an indictment of those who have spurned God’s “anointed one” (v. 38). It ends with a prayer for God to remember mercy.
From the human viewpoint it seems that death and the grave triumph in the end. Even God’s Anointed One, Jesus Christ, tasted death. He was mocked, “Come down from the cross and save yourself!” (Mark 15:30). His body was placed in the grave. If this is truly the way life ends the cynics win! There is no justice, no mercy, no hope—only the dark oblivion of the grave.
Still, God will not be mocked. He will be found true and every human being a liar (Romans 3:4). “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. . . .For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22). Our hope is in Him alone.
Author: Duane C. Brush
