Hi Everyone,
There are two key words in the above verse: satisfy and lovingkindness (also translated as mercy). The word satisfy means to fill completely, even to the point of overeating. The second word, lovingkindness, is an amazing word that every believer should fully understand. Before reading the rest of this post, I strongly recommend that you read these two posts first: One of the Most Important Words in the Old Testament and Grace - God's Unfailing Love (Hebrew: Chesed).
Is the Psalmist asking here for a revelation of God's mercy aka. lovingkindness? Yes, I believe, but also for so much more. The Psalmist is looking forward to something much more than knowledge or a revelation; he's looking forward to an experience--a reality. Note that these two words, satisfy (physical connotation) and lovingkindness (spiritual and emotional) are used together.
What will satisfy the Psalmist? Well, if you read the two posts that are linked above, you will realize that the Psalmist is anticipating a covenant experience, a meal. The meal that satisfies IS the love of God through covenant. Though this passage is in the Old Covenant, we know it to be the dawning twilight of the New Covenant. And it speaks so much to us.
Look at Psalm 23:5-6 --
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
How will the Psalmist be satisfied? Well, unfortunately, most of Christianity has emphasized an intellectual faith; to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and to understand certain teachings of the church, but covenant goes much deeper than this. Psalm 23 shows us an interaction between the Psalmist and the Covenant-Maker. This interaction involves the whole person of the Psalmist. Whereas the world is accustomed to a private inner faith, we've been called to celebrate union with God with our entire, whole person. This is symbolized by the meal. We're familiar with the drinking of wine and eating of bread (cake) in every wedding ceremony. This reflection of covenant celebrates two lives becoming one. To be in covenant with one's wife, the husband cannot live by himself, isolated; the marriage must be consummated. In the same way, one who claims to be a Christian cannot live an isolated, private inner faith, but is called to be constantly, in a life-giving way, united to Christ. Not only is the relationship celebrated with the whole person of the believer, but as we see in Psalm 23, this celebration--this communion--takes place in the company of those who are adversely against us; we must remember covenant in times of need.
One more aspect of the love of God which satisfies us in His covenant with us is seen in the story of the "prodigal" son. All the while after his son leaves home, the father is looking for his son. Finally, the son returns and the father throws a feast of feasts to celebrate. But notice something, it was not just the father and son eating, dancing, and celebrating. The whole household, and probably some of the community members were participating. This is another reason why covenant cannot be an isolated, inner-faith experience. We are brought through covenant into a family.
This is why I've said that brothers in Christ are in covenant with each other.
To experience full satisfaction and the perfected lovingkindness of God, we need to give our whole person to Him and to others. This is meant for our benefit and blessing.
May you share in the life of Christ--totally dependent on Him in a real relationship, and also share in the life of fellow believers. Celebrating, sharing, growing, forgiving, giving and receiving.
I love each one of you.
Grace=Peace,
Jeremy
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