Bible Pathways 07/13/04

July 13

Read Psalms 106 - 107

In Today's Reading:

Israel's rebellion in the wilderness; God's mercies to Israel; exhortation to praise God for His goodness

Although God had faithfully blessed Israel, miraculously delivered them from Egyptian slavery, provided the promised land, and given them victory over the Canaanites and great prosperity, they soon forgot His works; they waited not for His counsel . . . and tempted God in the desert (Psalm 106:13-14). Israel's unfaithfulness and numerous sins are brought to our attention. Among them: They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image (vs 19); forgot God their Savior (vs 21); despised the pleasant land, they believed not His Word (vs 24); murmured in their tents (vs 25); did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them (vs 34); But . . . mingled among the heathen, and. . . . served their idols (vss 35-36).

The psalmist then points out the inevitable consequences of sin: Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hand of the heathen (nations); and they that hated them ruled over them (vss 40-42). But, the Lord's judgment on Israel was mingled with His inexhaustible mercy. When they cried to the LORD in their trouble . . . He delivered them out of their distresses. . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness. . . . He sent His Word, and healed them (107:6-8,20).

Note carefully that Israel's method of deliverance is the same for everyone today: He sent His Word, and healed them. The psalmist could have simply said: He delivered them out of their distresses. Instead, he chose to say: He sent His Word, and healed them. His Word is Jesus come in the flesh as well as His Written Word: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). His Written Word, when believed and acted upon, is the means God has chosen to supply and satisfy our every need.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! . . . The righteous shall see it, and rejoice. . . . Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the LORD (Psalm 107:8,15,21,31,42-43).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who makes the storm a calm (Psalm 107:29). When Jesus calmed the storm, His awestruck disciples exclaimed: What manner of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him! (Matthew 8:27). Jesus offers to calm the storms of our lives and give us peace (see John 14:27).

Word Studies:

106:20 similitude = likeness; 106:29 inventions = deeds, acts; 106:30 stayed = stopped, checked; 107:11 contemned = despised, spurned.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for BP Staff: Rita Guerra · Government Official: Rep. Rob Bishop (UT) · Country: Ireland (4 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Irish (Gaelic) · Religious freedom · 93% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant 

Prayer Suggestion: Realize that the will of God is often different from our own desires (II Corinthians 12:8-9).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10