Gleanings From My Daily Reading

My daily Scripture reading today was Psalm 73, 77-78.  Here are some thoughts:

Psalm 73 – here the Psalmists looked around and didn’t understand the seemingly success of the wicked and ungodly.  He confessed that the more he thought about this, the more it made him sick and “troubled” (v.16).  It wasn’t “until he came into the sanctuary of God” that “he perceived their end” (v.17).  Sometimes an eternal perspective can make all the difference as we seek to endure the injustice and evil of a world…just plain messed up because of sin.  In what way/circumstance/adversity do you need to set your mind on Christ (Col. 3:2) and to seek an eternal perspective?

Psalm 78:17 – Sadly, this is all too common the story of all Christians.  In spite of all the great things God has done (1-16), “yet” we “still continue to sin against Him”.  Remember that the Christian journey is a long process of learning that His way really is the best way.  God help us to learn this, and live according to it, sooner rather than later.

Psalm 78:19 – Have you ever thought of your complaining in this light (as though you were speaking “against” God)?  My guess is, “No”!  Be careful next time you think God has dealt you a bad hand.

Psalm 78:22-23 – Note how that “complaining and griping” is equated with “not believing” and “not trusting” in God.  Believe Him.  Trust Him.  Stop the complaining and griping.

Psalm 78:36 – Obviously man cannot deceive God, so the Psalmists is simply speaking in terms that we might understand.  The point is man’s sinfulness: we say one thing, yet do another.  Am I guilty of that…as a father, husband, pastor, friend, follower of Jesus Christ?

Psalm 78:37 – Pray with me that God may grant us a steadfast heart.  A heart that longs for Him, loves Him, and looks to Him.

The Relentless God

Samuel tried to convince the people of Israel that the only king they needed was King Jesus.  The Lord was, and is, the only rightful king for His people.  However, like it is in every culture, the tug to be “like” everyone else is strong (1 Samuel 8:19-20).  By the time we reach 1 Samuel 12, Israel had already demanded a king, chosen Saul to be that king, and crowned him king over all Israel (1 Samuel 8 – 10).

In chapter 12 Samuel wants the people to understand the reality of what they were doing (v.7).  He reminded them about their own unfaithfulness and how that it didn’t end too well (vv. 8-9).  They repented and the Lord sent godly men to lead them back to Himself (12:10-11).  When Israel began to once again feel pressured by unbelieving neighbors, they wanted a king to rule over them…just like everyone else.  God was gracious in allowing Saul to be king, although His displeasure was evident to all (vv. 16-17).

At first glance the theme of this chapter seems to be “judgment”, but in reality God’s grace and mercy are on display.  In reaction to Israel’s sin, twice we read the phrase “the LORD sent” (vv.8, 11).  Even in the midst of our sin, God loves us and He relentlessly pursues us with His grace.  Over and over again, God sent…Jerubbaal and then Bedan and then Jephthah and then Samuel, and it was always because of His grace!  I’m sure many in Israel would have argued that God was nowhere to be found at the end of chapter 12, but the reality is, God’s grace was right there in front of them the entire time in the form of Samuel.  He would not only urge the people to follow the Lord with all their heart (v.20), but he would also pour out his heart praying for them (v.23).

So what?  God pursues us, even when we, as His people, choose to live in sin.  In fact, I think you say that often our sin is the platform God’s uses to display His love and mercy towards us.  He doesn’t beat us up over our sin, nor does He allow our sin to go unchecked, but He continually pursues us regardless of how far we are from Him.

Take a moment and reflect on how God has pursued you, even while you were in the midst of your sin!  Rather than abandoning you over to your own selfish desires and ways, God moved in love and mercy towards you!  Think about how has God moved to “get you back on track”?  Maybe it was through a friend, a book, a pastor, a message, an event?  Think about that, and then rejoice and praise Him from the depths of your heart!

“Shout aloud, Israel!  Be glad and rejoice with all your heart!  …the LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy”  (Zeph. 3:14-15).