"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the 'cup of salvation' and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord ..." (Psalm 116:12-14) The cup of salvation is not in the hands of the Lord but in our hands because he has given it to us and its upto us to lift it! The cup of salvation is filled with the goodness of God - his mercy, grace , justice, faithfulness, forgiveness, forbearance and love. Those who have tasted the goodness of God from the cup of salvation have been intoxicated by his love and they come back thirsting for more. As for those who haven't tasted it yet, the Scripture exhorts them to, 'taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.' - (Psalm 34:8) When in trouble, call on the name of the Lord and appeal to his goodness. 'Give me a sign of your goodness that my enemies may see it and be put to shame.' - (Psalm 86:17) Make vows unto him and be sure to fulfill it and he will certainly deliver you. 'Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them ...' - (Psalm 76:11) '... vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.' - (Psalm 66:14)
When the psalmist referred to the cup of salvation, he definitely didn't have the cup of the new covenant on his mind, for it was unknown to the saints of old. However, its not wrong to believe that the cup of salvation is the cup of the new covenant in the blood of Jesus and in observing the Eucharist or Communion, we are indeed lifting up the cup of salvation. 'Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you." - (Matthew 26:27) "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." - (1 Corinthians 11:25) However, any observation of it without realising the heart of the matter, only brings judgement - ( vs 29). The Lord would rather have us practise the former without neglecting the latter! He wants us to lift up the cup of salvation, which is our hearts filled and overflowing with the goodness of God and declare it in the hearing of others. "My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me ..." - (Psalm 23:5-6) Each person ought to do it for himself because salvation is very personal. We do rejoice in the salvation of others but don't forget to lift up your cup of salvation today.
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