[:en]This is a long Psalm rewriting the history of Israel. It talked about Exodus (vs. 12-16, 42-53), their wilderness journey (vs. 17-41), the conquest of Canaan (vs. 54-55) and the discipline God sent them (vs. 56-64). The Psalmist Asaph wrote this Psalm because he wanted to tell the next generation about God’s strength and His wonderful works.
The central theme centers on this verse: “That they would put their trust in God, and would not forget His deeds, but would keep His commands” (v. 7).
1. Future – Put their trust in God.
The people of Israel were heading for the Promised Land. But their days were consumed in futility and their years in fear because they would not trust God to lead them. So they had to wander around for 40 years in vanity and emptiness. When they got to the edge of Canaan, they refused to go in because they did not trust in God.
2. Past – Do not forget His deeds.
The Isralites had flawed memory. They did not remember their bondage and slavery. God had redeemed them from their enemy through 10 miracles in Egypt. God had given them water from the rock and manna from heaven, but they did not remember these. Instead, they rememberd the things that satisfied their stomach – the leeks, oinons, the garlic and the cucumber. They forget all His deeds in the past – his deliverance, guidance, protection and provision.
3. Present – Must keep His commands
God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, but when they got to the Promised Land, they put God to the test and rebelled against the Mo
st High. They did not keep His statues. They were disloyal and fatherless. They angered the Lord with their high places and aroused His jealousy with their idols. (vs. 56-58). They even adopted the idolatrous worship of the people they have defeated. They ignored God’s command and do their own ways. As a result, God abandoned them. The enemy came and killed them and got all their inheritance.
Reflection:
1. Future – Put your trust in God
We do not know our future. But we can put our trust and hope in God. Trust in His promises, protection and provision. Get rid of all your fears, doublts and worries by trusting in our Almighty God. And you can live a life with joy and peace.
2. Past – Do not forget His deeds
The problem with us is: we remember things which should have been forgotten and forget things which should have remembered. We remember past failure, regrets, hatred, jealousy, strife, quarrel but we do not remember the miracles that God has done in our lives. Starting today, forget everything that won’t benefit you, but do not forget the good deeds that people has done for you. Do not forget the blessings you received from God. Learn to be grateful and thankful.
3. Present -Keep His commands
The most important thing we must do at present is to keep His commands. WE are commanded to teach our children the works and ways of the Lord so that each generation would know the Lord and trust Him. We are commanded to walk in His ways, to obey His Words, and follow Him. We are commanded to go and make disciples and spread the gospel to all nations. Are you doing it?
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