Today's Reading:
Psalm 102: 12-28
“But you, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of your name to all generations”.
(v. 12)
The ordinary meaning of “Infinite” includes: without end or limit; greater than any quantity that can be assigned or quantified; vast; inexhaustible; something that has no determinate bonds and for which there is no possible bound or limit. It means the “Absolute” or God. In the scripture, many different words are used to refer to “Infinite”, such as supreme, vast, absolute, fathomless, beyond comprehension, no limit, no limitation, unlimited, without end, no-end, beyond measure, eternal, everlasting to everlasting, eternity, ever and ever, forevermore, generation to generation. Aside from these, many more words are in use to connote “Infinite” such as immortal, unfading, enduring, abiding, unceasing, imperishable, and indestructible.
The question is; why is infinity/infinite linked with or used to describe God?
This is because all the above words describe God, in his nature, character and works. God is described as infinite in power, that is omnipotent; infinite in dominion, that is, omnipresent; infinite in understanding (all-knowing in everything), that is, omniscient. These all speak of his infinite sovereignty, authority (in heaven and on earth) and majesty. Speaking of the divine nature and character of God, which are infinite, we read in the scripture about; his power (Rom 13:1), I Chr. 29:11, Gen 18:14, Is 55:11), Jer 32:17). We read of his great mercies (Lam 3:22, Eph2:4); compassion and graciousness (Lam 3:22, Ps 145:8-9, 103:8); his love for man (John 13:34, John 3:16, Rom 8: 33-39, I John 4:16, Eph 3:18, Ps 36:3-6, I John 3:1. Rom 5:5,8; his wisdom and understanding (Ps 147:5, John 3:17, Rom 16:27); his faithfulness (2 Cor 2:13, Lam 3:23); his righteousness and justice (2 Cor 5:21, Rom 1:17, Ps 36:5).
In our day-to-day activities, the character and good nature of God are manifested to mankind.
The infinite God manifests his good works in the lives of men, starting from creation, when He created the heavens and the earth and all things in them, including man (Gen 1). Right from then, He has continued to maintain and sustain them. For the future, He has purposed to create and manifest a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). Evidently, God is from everlasting to everlasting, from generation to generation. Rom 1:20 summarizes it – “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are seen, being understood by the things that are made…” Also, Isaiah 40:18 asks the question – To whom then will you liken God? From verses 12 to 17, the prophet recounted the greatness and uniqueness of the infinite God. Several writers of the Books of the Bible wrote about the Infinite God, including Moses, Isaiah, the Psalmists, and the Apostles like Paul, Peter John, etc. Our Today’s reading expresses in verses 13 to 22, the infinite nature, character and works of God in the lives of the Israelites. His mercy, favour, glory, compassion for the destitute, his ears inclined to the groaning of the prisoner, and release of those earmarked for death, are all expressions of him to his creation.
The writer of this Psalm concluded by affirming in verse 24, that God’s years are throughout all generations. He spoke of God’s works at creation, when He laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens. To highlight the infinite nature of God, he confirmed that all these works will eventually perish since they will all grow old like a garment and like a clock, since He will change them, but He, God, will endure. He affirmed that God is the same and his years will have no end, that is, eternal. Believers are to appreciate the Infinite God, having keyed into his work of reconciliation through Christ, and so rejoice in the hope of sharing his infinity/eternity with him.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
1. Father in heaven, we appreciate and honour your infinite nature, character and works in the lives of mankind.
2. We thank you Father for showing us your eternal purpose, starting from creation and on to the new heaven and earth at the end.
3. Oh Lord, please help us to live lives that will qualify us to share eternity with you at the end.
4. Father, open the church up to share the Gospel so that eternity with God will be the portion of all.
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