At the end of the Civil War, when the news of Appomattox came, the secretary of war, Edwin M. Stanton, caused to be displayed from the dome of the Capitol a transparency on which were inscribed these words from Psalm 118: “This is the Lord’s doing: it is marvelous in our eyes” (v. 23). It was a magnificent expression of Victory which was attributed to God’s hand.
I believe there is a much greater event yet to take place that this Psalm is referring to. Verses 25 and 26 give us the words that are quoted in Matthew and shouted by the people upon Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As they welcomed Him into Jerusalem that day, spreading palm branches and their own garments in His path, little did they know that they were fulfilling an ancient prophecy. “Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: … Blessed be He that comes in the name of the LORD,” they cried.
We know “Save now, O Lord” as Hosanna. The crowds were acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, and the “chief priests and scribes … were sore displeased” at this (Matthew 21:15). But this also had been predicted in the Psalm: “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:22-23).
The Lord, Himself, will descend in the clouds once again and all those who have gone before us will return with him. We will be joined with them for the greatest celebration of victory ever experienced. There won’t be a building big enough to hold the banner for across the skies in majesty inexplicable will be, “This is the Lord’s doing: it is marvelous in our eyes.” Then we’ll recite The next verse, Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!”
Chuck
“ Rescue me because you are so faithful and good. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” (Psalm 109:21-22)