Our Reading: Psalm 78 and Deut.6:6-9; Matt. 13:34-35
The Bible is full of wonderful stories and rich history. These stories have survived for thousands of generations and they serve to teach us about a God who remains faithful and merciful even when His people doubt and rebel against Him. “Psalm 78 is the longest of the historical psalms. Its lesson is that history must not repeat itself. The people must never again be unbelieving.” (James Montgomery Boice)
The Bible is meant to be shared, and it’s truths passed on from one generation to the next. God entrusts parents to pass on to their children a knowledge of the Bible but more importantly an understanding of the lessons of the Bible so that they will trust God and place their faith in Him.
“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:5-8
Through the historical accounts of this Psalm, we see over and over again how God worked in miraculous ways to provide for the needs of His people and yet they still struggled with doubt and unbelief? “In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.” Psalm 78:32 “Israel had seen the wonderful works of God, cleaving the sea, lighting the night, and giving water from rocks. Yet they questioned God’s ability to give bread, and to spread out a table in the wilderness.” (Meyer)
Not only were they full of unbelief and complaints, but they also chose to dishonor God through disobedience and raise other idols up to displace His importance in their lives.
“Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies, but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers; they twisted like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.” Psalm 78:56-58
These are the oft repeated sins of the generations which have preceded us.
- Tendency to complain about what or how God provides
- Tendency to doubt God’s abilities and faithfulness.
“Nothing is more provoking to God, than our quarrelling with our allotment, and indulging the desires of the flesh.” (Henry, cited in Spurgeon)
How important it is to ground ourselves and each other in the truths of God. The Bible is testimony to a God who loves us, is patient and merciful to us, and longs to provide what we need. He is always at work and we have to be patient and trusting, especially if it is difficult to see Him at work. Even after all their disobedience and rebellion, God remained faithful to His promises and His plan was not deterred. He chose the young boy David and prepared him to be a King of his time, and the forerunner of the King of Kings…Jesus.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.”
Psalm 78:70-72
Reflection:
- Are you prone to grumbling, complaining and impatience with God or do you try to remain grateful and expectant that He is at work, and will reveal His will, in His time?
- Do you spend time in His Word, learning the valuable lessons He has provided and sharing those treasured findings with others? Do you bless future generations with the example of living a godly life?
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the lessons and wisdom that we find in the Bible. We thank you that you are patient and merciful when we fail you. Help us to trust in Your love, Your provision, Your guidance, and Your timing. Help us to be an example to future generations who desperately need to know your truths.