Passage: Psalm 78
The Big Idea
Psalm 78 is a long history lesson with a purpose: that the generation to come might know… that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God. It retells Israel’s story from Egypt to David: God’s wonders, the people’s forgetfulness and rebellion, His discipline and, over and over, His compassion. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity. It ends with God choosing David, a shepherd, to shepherd His people with integrity of heart and skillful hands, a picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Reflections
Give ear, O my people (vv. 1-3). Keep my heart soft to hear what You speak through others. I love how You use families to pass down what we’ve heard and known.
We will not hide them from their children (vv. 4-6). I pray my children see my weakness and Your strength. I can’t change hearts in my own power. Only You can open eyes and save. We’re so self-focused; we need to think about generations to come.
That they may set their hope in God (vv. 7-8). Lord, I’m weak. Give me strength by Your Spirit. And don’t let us be like a stubborn generation whose heart was never set right.
The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle (v. 9). Natural ability means nothing.
They forgot His works and His wonders (vv. 10-12). Help me not forget. Keep me faithful in the present, with an eye on the past and the future. I’ve been distant and disobedient. Forgive and answer me again. My life isn’t over, and I’ll yet see Your works and praise You.
He divided the sea… in the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire (vv. 13-14). Every moment You led them. Do the same for me: Your cloud by day and fire by night. Show me what You want me to do today. I wait, trust and humble myself.
He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink (vv. 15-16). When all seemed hopeless, You provided from a rock. Jesus, You’re my Rock. Out of Your broken body comes the Spirit we all need. Whatever the history or science, in the end it’s a miracle of Your grace. I hope in Your character, because mine is a mess.
But they sinned even more against Him… they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy (vv. 17-20). I’ve been there: knowing You and still sinning, not satisfied with what Your hand provided, always wanting more. “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” Why would I ever question Your ability or willingness? It’s especially wrong for someone who’s drunk Your water to doubt Your bread. Search my heart and show me where I do that. Give me victory over false feelings. You want to provide all I need.
Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation (vv. 21-22). Jesus, You absorbed the wrath. I put my trust in You. How did the Pharisees read this and not see themselves? Keep my heart soft so I don’t grow legalistic. Your gospel is the solution. Give me a gospel mouth.
He rained down manna on them… men ate angels’ food (vv. 23-25). I’m so blind to all You’ve done. I choose to worship and bow. I lay my burdens at Your feet. You’ve sent so much food for my soul, thinking of my needs before I ever had them.
They were not deprived of their craving… the wrath of God came against them (vv. 26-31). It’s all about faith. I don’t need fleshly strength to survive this day. Slay me in my own strength, God.
In spite of this they still sinned… therefore their days He consumed in futility (vv. 32-33). Open my eyes to Your wonderful works. Life is short. I don’t want to waste it on selfish things. Make a way where I can’t see one.
When He slew them, then they sought Him… they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer (vv. 34-35). Bring death to the flesh, then the resurrection life of Your Son by Your Spirit. You’re my Rock; I’m safe on You and can stand in the storm. You’ve already redeemed me by Your mighty hand and steadfast love. You’re faithful when I’m faithless. Give me joy and peace today.
Their heart was not steadfast with Him (vv. 36-37). I’ll fail on my own. My heart drifts like a boat off course. Be my anchor.
But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them… He remembered that they were but flesh (vv. 38-39). Such patience! My heart is guilty, but You are love, and You paid for my guilt. Let me remember it every moment.
How often they provoked Him… and limited the Holy One of Israel (vv. 40-41). Your heart feels more deeply than mine. I’ve ignored You, hurt You, not trusted You, and limited what You wanted to do for me. I give You full reign.
They did not remember His power, the day when He redeemed them (vv. 42-51). Help me remember the day You saved me, when the lost was found. The plagues show Your power. When the rivers turned to blood, there was nothing to drink: without living water, every other water is poison. You fight against pride and self-sufficiency, whatever form they take, and lead me to trust You in weakness.
But He made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock (vv. 52-53). You’re a good Shepherd. You know me, spend time with me, care for my needs, protect me and delight in me. He led them on safely, so that they did not fear. Help me stay near You.
He brought them to His holy border, this mountain which His right hand had acquired (vv. 54-55). It’s always Your strength that wins the promised land. You invite me in through Jesus. You care for the needs of all people, and You see things so differently than we do. You’re less concerned with who’s in charge on earth than with whom we trust.
Yet they tested and provoked the Most High God… turned aside like a deceitful bow (vv. 56-58). So true of us. We bring no pride before You, only guilt that leads to humility. I keep drifting back to self-sufficiency. Change my heart and keep it close. Open my eyes to see as You see, and unite my heart to feel what You feel. Your burning love for me is what will change me forever.
He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh (vv. 59-64). Real passion. Lord, don’t take Your presence from me. Under the New Covenant You’ve promised You never will: I’m Your temple now, made clean and new. You’re so in charge You can even use trial and failure to bring the humility I need. Be gentle, my Good Shepherd. Have mercy on the young, who suffer for the choices of others.
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty man (vv. 65-66). I love to see You rise up and move. You’re the only hero, full of passion, and You don’t care what people think. I can love You as my Savior because You’re strong and willing to fight for me.
He built His sanctuary like the heights (vv. 67-69). Keep me from idols. The New Covenant stands above every other covenant, bought by Your blood. It works, and it’s glorious. You built it all yourself.
He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds… so he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands (vv. 70-72). Jesus, this is You: Your heart and Your hands, everything I need. Heal me and use me. Let Your power, love and mercy be seen.
Grace Takeaway
Israel’s story is our story: God’s wonders, our forgetfulness, His compassion. The answer was never a better people but a better Shepherd. Tell the next generation about Jesus, whose heart is full of integrity and whose hands are skillful to lead, and who forgives again and again.
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