Lessons from History (Psalm 78) - Part 3

New Beginnings (verses 54-72)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078:56-64&version=NIV

After God had blessed the Israelites with the Promised Land, they quickly forgot Him. They had left their nomadic wanderings, but not their wandering from their God. Sin cannot be tolerated among people who fear God. As God gave them David to shepherd them, Christ the Good Shepherd cares for us. May we praise God for His continued goodness even in the face of our sinful provocation.

You, Lord God brought us to Your holy land. You built Your Church, Your Temple, which You have founded forever. Thank You for Christ who shepherds Your people, Your inheritance. Guide us with Your skillful hand.

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

If with His love He befriend thee.

Joachim Neander (1650-1680)

Lessons from History (Psalm 78) - Part 2

Wandering and Deliverance (verses 12-53)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078:12-53&version=NIV

The record of God’s faithfulness should encourage us, the record of our failures should warn us. In response to God’s presence, guidance, and provisions may we not rebel like the Israelites. When the heavens provided manna, the Israelites responded with murmurs. When the rocks gave them water, they replied with wickedness. Christ, the bread of life, will satisfy our hunger. May we hunger and thirst after righteousness. Although God knows our hearts, He still has compassion on us, which He expresses by forgiving our sins. May we repent and remember that God is our Redeemer and the source of our security—our Rock.

Lord Jesus, blessed manna from heaven, we feed on You. We repent and earnestly seek You, our Redeemer. You atoned for our iniquity and have not destroyed us, restraining Your anger. Guide Your people like a flock, so that we are not afraid.

Lessons from History (Psalm 78) - Part 1

Psalm 78 leads us through five centuries of Israel’s history—from Moses to David—alternating between Israel’s rebellion and God’s faithfulness. May this psalm remind us of God’s miracles, grace and promise for the future.

Learning from History (verses 1-11)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078:1-11&version=NIV

History teaches the true condition of humanity. God performs mighty acts to rescue His people, who quickly forget what He had done. We too, fail to successfully wage war against sin. In our struggles may we know that our powerful God fights for us. May we regularly tell the stories of God’s faithfulness, teaching the next generation so they will set their hope on God.

Lord our God, help us to listen to Your teaching. Remind us of things we have heard and known. Help us to tell Your glorious deeds to the coming generation, that the next generation will set their hopes on You and keep Your commandments.