Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Resurrection Sunday, Year C
🌿 The Day the Lord Has Made
📖 Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24
Resurrection Sunday, Year C
What if resurrection isn’t only something Jesus experiences—but something we’re invited into every day?
In today’s Psalm, we’re called to recognize a new kind of day—a day made by God, marked by hope, gratitude, and a profound awareness of God’s faithful presence.
This is a song of resurrection joy. Let’s step into it.
🕰️ Context: Setting the Scene
Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving, praise, and deliverance. It was likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, especially during festivals like Passover.
🕯️ Literary Context:
Psalm 118 is part of the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113–118), traditionally sung during Passover. It’s a song celebrating God’s deliverance from oppression—both historically in Egypt and personally in life’s struggles.
The imagery is vivid: gates opened wide, stones rejected becoming cornerstones, days freshly crafted by God’s hand. It’s filled with a sense of reversal, victory, and joy. Early Christians saw Jesus’ resurrection echoed powerfully here—the rejected stone now the cornerstone of new creation.
The repeated phrase, “His faithful love endures forever,” anchors the psalm in God’s consistent, unyielding mercy and grace.
🌍 Historical Context:
This Psalm emerged from Israel’s collective memory of liberation—from Egypt, exile, and everyday struggles. It was used liturgically during celebrations of freedom and salvation.
Jesus likely sang this Psalm during his final Passover meal with his disciples, making it especially poignant during Holy Week. The imagery of rejection and vindication would soon be lived out in his death and resurrection.
This Psalm is not just historical—it’s deeply prophetic. It speaks forward, illuminating how God’s deliverance happens repeatedly, ultimately and profoundly through Christ’s resurrection.
📖 Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 (NLT)
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.2 Let all Israel repeat:
“His faithful love endures forever.”14 The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.15 Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!16 The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.
The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!17 I will not die; instead, I will live
to tell what the Lord has done.18 The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not let me die.19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord.20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.21 I thank you for answering my prayer
and giving me victory!22 The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.23 This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.24 This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
🎧 Listen or Explore the Passage:
💡 Key Insights
Every Day a Resurrection - “This is the day the Lord has made” is more than a motivational phrase. It’s a resurrection statement—God’s newness breaking into the ordinary.
Cornerstone of Hope - The rejected stone becoming the cornerstone is a powerful reversal. Resurrection upends every human expectation, making a new foundation for hope.
Joy as Resistance - In the midst of struggles, the psalmist chooses joy. Resurrection invites us into joy—not as naïveté, but as resistance to despair.
🔁 Sacred Practice
Sit with this Psalm using the ancient rhythm of Lectio Divina:
Read – Slowly read Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24.
Reflect – What word or phrase stirs hope?
Respond – How might God be inviting you into joy?
Rest – Sit quietly. Let the truth of God’s faithful love sink deep into your spirit.
❓ Jesus-Centered Questions
What does this Psalm show me about Jesus’ resurrection?
In what way am I invited to experience resurrection joy today?
How does God’s enduring love confront my fears and anxieties?
How can I choose joy as an act of faithfulness and trust this week?
📚 Reflections & Resources
Commentary: Working Preacher – Psalm 118
💬 Want to Reflect Together?
Hit reply or leave a comment below.
What phrase in this Psalm speaks most deeply to you?
How do you sense the Spirit inviting you into resurrection joy?
🧵 Connect the Threads
Other Easter readings:
How do these passages intersect to reveal the Good News?
🔊 Weekly Practice Invitation
Every morning this week, pause and say out loud:
“This is the day the Lord has made.”
Let these words shape how you approach the ordinary moments, relationships, and challenges of your day.