This celebratory Psalm speaks of shelter from trials, triumph over enemies, and ultimately deliverance into God’s presence. Many songs draw inspiration from this Psalm. Scholars believe it speaks preeminently of the Christ’s triumph as the ideal Servant and Chief Priest.
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (v8-9,19-24)
I was reminded in v8-9 that we should primarily submit to God as our guardian, guide and protector – He is far more reliable than any human, more trusted than any other authority.
Another reminder is that there’s only one way into God’s presence – the salvation only He can provide. There are gates through which only the righteous may pass, and we are only righteous by that which Christ attributes to us – our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6).
The most discussed verse in this Psalm is probably: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (v22a) Jesus quotes this verse in Mt 21:42 in reference to Himself. He’s speaking a parable to the Pharisees regarding a vineyard owner who has evil tenants – eventually the owner will deal with the evil tenants. Those who fall on the “stone” will be broken to pieces, and any on whom the stone falls will be crushed (Mt 21:33-45).
Jesus, and the author of this Psalm, want us to know that evil will not be allowed to triumph in the end, that it will be punished. The kingdom of God will be taken away from the unrighteous and given to those who produce the kingdom’s fruits (Mt 21:43). In the end only righteousness and those who are counted as righteous will remain. Let’s fall into that category, and bring as many people with us as we can when we enter through those gates.
Father God, Almighty One, we praise You for You are Good and Your steadfast love endures forever. Thank you for the salvation You freely offer, and that we are welcomed into Your presence. Please pour Your heart and will into us that we may overflow with Your love toward those around us. We pray for salvation for all who do not yet call You savior – may Your Spirit soften their hearts and guide us as we serve them. We look forward to walking with them through Your gates of righteousness. May Your kingdom reign forever and ever. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training