In Today's Scripture 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 forgat 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 worshipped the molten image (vs 19); forgat God their Saviour (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 were 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 mercy. When they cried unto 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 man's 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 maketh 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 His peace (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 The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Reverend Leonard P. Miller Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN Government Official: Rep. Rob Bishop (UT) Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia Major languages: Arabic and English No evangelical work is permitted 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to work in your life in whatever way pleases Him (Hebrews 13:21).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:4