A Day the Lord has Made
Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Many quote this verse to encourage a positive attitude, i.e., we are to appreciate each day as a gift from God. In a general sense, this is a correct application, and we will discuss this viewpoint later. However, it is essential to consider this verse in its context, which will allow us to see a deeper meaning.
The Psalmist has said that God answered his prayers, gave him “salvation,” and he would praise Him (21). So then, he says, the stone, which the builders rejected, “has become the chief cornerstone” (22), and the Lord carried this out, and it was marvelous (23). Thus, the “day” the “Lord has made” refers to when Christ became the chief cornerstone (Mt. 21:42, Acts 4:10-12, 1 Pet. 2:7). This event would be a day of celebration and deliverance — a day when people would obtain liberation from the bondage of sin and be able to obtain salvation. This fulfillment would occur when Christ died, came forth from the grave, and ascended back to heaven to sit on the throne of David. This day would be the “day” the Lord made, and it should cause us to rejoice!
As noted earlier, a significant general application exists for the verse. People should consider that each day given by God is a gift. We should appreciate, be thankful for, and take full advantage of each received. One writer put it like this. “God deposited 1440 minutes into your account (the number in one day). You can invest them, but you can’t save them.” We should be thankful for all God has done for us (1 Thess. 5:18). Consider the following story.
A story is told about a vendor who sold bagels for 50 cents each at a street corner food stand. A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn’t take a bagel. He did the same thing every day for months. One day, as the jogger passed by, the vendor stopped him. The jogger asked, “You probably want to know why I always put money in but never take a bagel, don’t you?” “No,” said the vendor. “I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to 60 cents.” ( Cindy Hess Kasper )
Many treat God in the same unthankful way. We should be grateful to Him for everything He has done for us, especially for Jesus Christ and salvation, and people should be thankful for each day He gives them to live.
