Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 78
This is a Psalm of generational history that Asaph wrote to remind Israel of their covenant with God. It is a long Psalm, so I will not attempt to cover all that is in it, but will try to hit the highlights of God’s expectation of His people and covenant. I am reminded of the fact that God expects us as parents to pass on our faith and history with the Lord to our children and grandchildren. I think that we have failed as parents to do this faithfully and we are suffering the consequences today. Psalms 78:4, 4 We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did.NLT
Many times in the writings of the Law God told His People that they needed to write His words upon their hearts, and always keep His commands before their families. They were to train their children in the ways and commands of the Lord and to make sure that they did not continue to ignore and disobey His truths. The result of disobedience would be extreme punishment as this was part of the Covenant between God and His people. Psalms 78:7-8, 7 So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. 8 Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.
Asaph did a great job of reminding Israel of the many miracles of God on their behalf; from parting the Red Sea to fighting for them and delivering the promised land into their hands. He recounts providing manna from heaven, and birds for meat after their complaints. God provided water from the rock to remind them that He would always be their Rock and Deliverer. This was a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ and His deliverance from sin and provision of living water.(John 4:10-13) You would think that they would remember a God like this and trust in Him as their Rock. Psalms 78:35-36, 35 Then they remembered that God was their rock, that their redeemer was the Most High. 36 But they followed him only with their words; they lied to him with their tongues. NLT Because of their grumbling, complaining and disobedience, He had to use the nations around them for discipline and they faced many trials and death because of their willful breaking of their covenant with God.
There is the reminder that while God forgives and has mercy on His people when they turn to Him, there are consequences that remain for generations to come. Joseph’s descendants, Ephraim are the example. Psalms 78:67-68, 67 But he rejected Joseph’s descendants; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim. 68 He chose instead the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. This account ends with the provision of a good king and shepherd, David.NLT We are reminded that in the end we have the promise of the Good Shepherd in Jesus Christ and God’s provision for us in our Great Redeemer and Savior. I hope that we learn the lessons of our history with the Lord and avoid the rod of discipline for the strength and grace of the Good Shepherd!
Father, I ask forgiveness for failing to pass on the truths of Who You are and the necessity of following the commands and truths of Your word to the generations that follow. Help me to be faithful and trust in Your Word and Spirit to share with my children and grandchildren that wonders of Your love and faithfulness and the warning of Your loving discipline when we forget and disobey. Thank You for forgiving me and continuing to be my Great Shepherd and Savior. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob