Psalm 78 We Did ... He Did...

What a contrast of reactions!

“The men of Ephraim … ran away on the day of battle.  They didn’t keep their agreement with God.”

“He divided the Red Sea.”

“The people continued to sin against Him … asking for the food they wanted.”

“But He gave a command … and opened the doors of heaven.  He rained manna down on them to eat … He rained meat on them like dust.”

“But they kept on sinning; they did not believe…”

“So He ended their days without meaning.”

“ Anytime He killed them, they would look to Him for help; they would come back to God and follow Him…. But their words were false … their hearts were not really loyal to God …”

“Still, God was merciful.  He forgave their sins and did not destroy them … He remembered that they were only human.”

“They turned against God so often in the desert and grieved Him there.  Again and again they tested God and brought pain to the Holy One of Israel.”

“God led His people out like sheep and He guided them …”

“But they tested God and turned against God Most High … they made God angry by building places to worship gods…”

Finally, enough was enough –

“He left His dwelling at Shiloh, … He let the Ark be captured;  He let the Ark, His glory, be taken by enemies.  He let His people be killed.”

(He didn’t kill them.  He removed His hand of protection from them.  Their actions resulted in their own deaths.)

But then His mercy returns –

“He chose the tribe of Judah … And He built the Temple high like the mountains … He built it to last forever.”

God’s mercy and His forbearance with our sin in incredible.  Despite our worst, He lovingly gives His best.  And when it was apparent that our problem was a sin problem, He gave His absolute best – His Son, even – to take care of that.  He doesn’t leave us with no help, despite everything we do.  Instead, in love He pours out His grace and mercy, because He wants us home with Him.

Father, I’m incredibly undeserving of such love!  Inside, I know that I’m worth nothing compared to your Son, yet You gave him anyway, because You wanted me with You.  Thank You for Your extravagant mercy and grace.  Thank You for loving me even when I feel so unlovable.  Only a Creator and God could love that way.  I’m sorry for messing up so often.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford