Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-43
“Oh that men should praise our LORD, for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he has broken the gates of brass and cut thy bars of iron in sunder” – Psalm 107:15-16(KJV)
This scripture was coined into a song that gained prominence in the 1980s among the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES). The truth is that it was a very popular song and very great lyrics but the deep meaning of this psalm is not well conceptualized by many. In truth our God is worthy of our praise. God’s wonderful works among men lack words to express. If only the spiritual eyes of men are open to see the fortification of the prison houses from where they were delivered from, their mouth will never stop praising our God. The triumph and victory of Christ over evil brought about our liberty. But have we ever wondered the actual cost of this liberty?
My friend, it cost God much to rescue us from sin and the captivity of sin. God took on flesh and blood so that through death, he will conquer the wicked enemy who held sway over death. The everlasting doors of hades was forced open and the king of glory rose triumphant from the grave, having gotten victory over the devil and snatched the power of grave from him (See Hosea 13:14). He has broken the gates of brass and cut in sunder the bars of iron indeed. The formidable power of death was plagued and the power of the grave destroyed.
Christ brought to us immortality by the master stroke over death and the forces of evil (see 2 Timothy 1:10). He fought and got victory for us in all areas of life. The prison doors and gates could not contain Peter and Paul. He came to heal the broken hearted, to give deliverance to the captive, to set at liberty them that are in bondage. He destroyed the power of poverty to plant his own in riches and abundance (see 2 Corinthians 8:9). The stone that was rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Anyone who looks down on any child of God does so at his own detriment because his heavenly father has what it takes to lift him up. “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy from the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people” – Psalm 113:7-8(KJV). They crucified him and gave him victory which he has passed on to us. Oh that men should praise our GOD, for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men! What can be more wonderful than, that God demonstrated his love towards us (the children of men), in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He paid full the price of sin. Halelujah!!!
OH THAT MEN SHOULD PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
Prayer: Father let your praise never depart from my mouth and heart.
Brother Joel Ezeugo