“I’ll be back.”
“I could’ve been a contender!”
“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
“May the force be with you.”
“Houston, we have a problem.”
In 2005 the American Film Institute named the top 100 movie quotes of all time. You probably remember every one of those quotes and maybe 100 more depending on how big of a film buff you are.
What is it that makes these catchphrases so memorable?
A lot of factors go into making a great catchphrase: The person who says it. The time and place where it’s said. The inflection each legendary actor puts into their words.
But none of these catchphrases hold a candle to the greatest catchphrase of all time.
It’s not found in a movie.
It’s not found in a tv show.
It’s not found in a novel.
It’s found in Psalm 136.
The greatest catchphrase of all time is a 5 word phrase which perfectly encapsulates all you need to remember about God:
His faithful love endures forever.
The psalmist repeats this phrase 26 times. It becomes his catchphrase as he lists off the incredible attributes of the Lord – how He created the oceans and the stars above, how He divided the Red Sea and brought the Israelites through it, how He strikes down the strongest of kings around the world.
Everything keeps coming back to those 5 simple words:
His faithful love endures forever.
All you need to remember about God is found in those 5 words.
The love is God’s. The love is faithful – always present and never failing. The love endures – through pain and heartbreak and famine it remains strong and powerful. The love is forever – eternal in nature, existing before the world was created and staying true long after its end.
A catchphrase should be memorable, simple, and true. The Bible’s greatest catchphrase is all of those. No superhero or stand up comic will ever come up with 5 better words for you to remember. No award-winning screenwriter will ever type up 5 better words for you to write on your heart.
Let the Lord’s catchphrase be ever present on your mind. Let this enduring reminder of the Lord’s love pop into your head when you need it most. Let the greatest catchphrase of all time be your mantra as you face the fears of each new day.
His faithful love endures forever.
What’s your favorite catchphrase of the Bible? How do these 5 powerful words speak to you?
