Our Daily Scripture – 2/14/24 (Wednesday)

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 79

MEMORY VERSE:  

“Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” (Psalm 79:9)

WHAT HAVE THE OTHER NATIONS DONE TO ISRAEL?

  1.  They have invaded their inheritance. (v. 1a)
  2.  They have defiled His holy temple. (v. 1b)
  3.  They have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. (v. 1c)
  4.  They have given the dead bodies of His servants as food to the birds of the air and the flesh of the saints to the beasts of the earth. (v. 2)
  5.  They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. (v. 3)
  6.  They made the Israelites objects of reproach to their neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around them. (v. 4)
  7.  They have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland. (v. 7)

INQUIRIES AND PETITIONS OF ASAPH:

  1.  How long, O Lord?  Will you be angry forever?  How long will your jealousy burn like fire? (v. 5)
  2.  Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name. (v. 6)
  3.  Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. (v. 8)
  4.  Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. (v. 9)
  5.  Why should the nations say: “Where is their God?” (v. 10a)
  6.  Make known among the nations before our eyes, that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. (v. 10b)
  7.  May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die. (v. 11)
  8.  Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord. (v. 12)

THOUGHTS:

Once again, Asaph lamented the invasion of the enemies.  He was concerned about God’s inheritance (v. 1), God’s people (vs. 2-3) and God’s name (v. 9).  So, he confessed their sins and seek for forgiveness (v. 9).

God’s wrath and judgment fell on entire nation because of their sins.  When we sin, God also allow us to endure suffering in order to strengthen our character.  He sometimes allows pagan people to scoff at believers.  So, we should be prepared for criticism and unkind remarks.  But in the end, God’s glory will be evident to all people.