A song for Today!

Read Psalm 118.

Picture a worshiper singing this song as they walked toward the Temple in Jerusalem.  The sacrifice for sin is being readied (v.27).  It is a feast day, possibly the Passover.  Yes, there had been difficult times in the past.  Other nations had attacked them and rejected their belief in the LORD.  But, today the heart is full of praise for God's love demonstrated in how He has faithfully delivered the nation. (v.24)

The psalmist lists many ways in which the LORD has delivered him and the nation.  Yet, there is more.  Unmistakably, at the same time, the psalm anticipates a triumphal entry of the Messiah.

"Open to me the gates." (v.19-20)

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." (v.22)
Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 21:42 as He taught the Parable of the Tenants.  It was a veiled reference to Himself.
Peter quoted it to preach that though the nation had rejected Jesus "there is salvation in no one else" (Acts 4:11-12)
Paul referred to it in Ephesians 2:20 and Peter again used it again in 1 Peter 2:7 saying that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" (v.26)
As we read the description of Jesus' entry at the Passover, it does appear that the crowd may have in fact been singing this psalm (John 12:13).

For those who have welcomed the Messiah into their lives, there are two strong verses for today's worship and rejoicing.
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." (v.14)
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (v.24)