Introduction: We are now on our sixth day at looking at Psalm 78. Do you remember what the purpose of Asaph was writing this Psalm? Before spending a long time recounting Israel’s history from Egypt to settlement in Canna, he challenges the people to be earnest in passing on their history to coming generations so that they don’t forget to walk in God’s way.
51 He struck down every firstborn in Egypt,
the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.
52 Then he led out his people like sheep
and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
53 He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid,
but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
54 And he brought them to his holy land,
to the mountain which his right hand had won.
55 He drove out nations before them;
he apportioned them for a possession
and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. – The verses above summarize what has gone before in Israel’s delivery from slavery in Egypt to settlement in Canna. Asaph is saying that the people should not forget the foundation which God laid for the nation! As Christians Christ is the foundation of our lives and if a nation claims to be Christian that nation should be built on the same foundation!
56 Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God
and did not keep his testimonies,
57 but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers;
they twisted like a deceitful bow.
58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places;
they moved him to jealousy with their idols. – worshipping false gods – for them idols which their neighbours worshipped. Thus, in disobedience to God’s Law, they lost their distinctiveness! What do modern so called Christian nations worship? And what have we lost?
59 When God heard, he was full of wrath,
and he utterly rejected Israel.
60 He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh,
the tent where he dwelt among mankind,
61 and delivered his power to captivity,
his glory to the hand of the foe. – this sounds nasty! Was Israel meant to be His glory? Who will the foe be?
Deut 8: 19 – And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.
Prayer: May You and Your Word ever be more central in life I pray, my Saviour and my God.