How does Psalm 118:23 connect with Ephesians 2:10 about God's works? Setting the Stage: Two Verses, One Author “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Psalm 118:23 — Marveling at God’s Saving Act • The psalmist stands in awe of a deliverance only the LORD could accomplish. • “Marvelous” signals something beyond human achievement—divinely initiated, divinely finished (cf. Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 25:1). • The context (vv. 22-24) celebrates the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, pointing ultimately to Christ (Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11). Ephesians 2:10 — Marveling at God’s Re-Creating Act • Believers are called “God’s workmanship” (poiēma: a masterpiece). • Salvation by grace (vv. 8-9) results in lives designed for “good works.” • Those works are “prepared in advance,” underscoring the same sovereign initiative seen in Psalm 118. Thread That Binds: God’s Works Then and Now • Same Actor – Psalm 118: “from the LORD.” – Ephesians 2: “God’s workmanship.” • Same Wonder – Both texts invite awe: “marvelous in our eyes” / lives that display His craftsmanship (cf. Philippians 2:13). • Same Purpose – Old-covenant deliverance led Israel to worship. – New-covenant believers live out good works that make His glory visible (Matthew 5:16). • Same Cornerstone – The Stone of Psalm 118 becomes the Christ of Ephesians 2:20-22, uniting Jew and Gentile into one temple where those prepared works are carried out. Living Out What God Has Done 1. Recognize the Source • Every rescue, every gift, every new creation moment is “from the LORD.” 2. Rest in His Preparation • Good works aren’t invented by us; we walk into what He has arranged (Isaiah 26:12; Hebrews 13:20-21). 3. Reflect His Marvel • A life transformed by grace points others to the “marvelous” Author (1 Peter 2:9-10). 4. Remain Dependent • “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Daily reliance turns prepared works into experienced works. Psalm 118:23 praises God for a past act that inspires wonder; Ephesians 2:10 reveals that same wonder at work in us today. In both, the spotlight stays on the LORD—His plan, His power, His glory. |
    |