Imagining a deliverance that never ends

to him who divided the Red Sea in two,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

and made Israel pass through the midst of it,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalm 136:13-14

God delivers His people. He saves them to serve Him. He shows His wondrous power so that we might enter the wonder of worship. He delivers from the impossible situations so that we might know His love and grace! “His steadfast love endures forever”!

That last little refrain ends every stanza of Psalm 136, as Israel sings of the history of God’s work. It is all of grace. Is the refrain of God’s greatness: “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-3)! It is the refrain of the amazing universe of His creation: “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:4-9)! It is the refrain of His deliverance of Israel from cruel slavery in Egypt: “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:10-15)! It is the refrain of the gift of settling into the Land of Promise: “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:16-22)! It is the refrain of the God Who remembers, rescues, and refreshes all mankind by His provision, protection, and purpose: “His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:23-26)!

If a set of sequel stanzas could be composed that would echo this song through the rest of the revelation of scripture, the music might go on like this:

Who spoke His Word by prophets to correct His people; “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who promised a Savior to redeem those whom He loves; “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who sent His Son to preach a kingdom: “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who gave His life so that we might be forgiven; “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who raised Him back to life to give eternal life: “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who will come again to judge and rule us; “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who calls disciples as His church to proclaim His good news; “His steadfast love endures forever”!

Who leads us one day to joy in His eternal home; “His steadfast love endures forever”!