Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 79
Over and over God’s people had faced the anger of God as they failed to keep their covenant with Him. This Psalm was written during one of those times when they were feeling the punishment of God on their lives. We need to remember that God’s punishment for sin is not something that anyone wants to endure. Praise the Lord, we don’t have to worry about God’s wrath if we have put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus and His New Covenant based on His righteousness, but God is still a loving Father who will not allow His children to sin without punishment.(Hebrews 12:5-7)
The cry of this Psalm is “How long, O Lord” as Israel was being punished for their disobedience. The people were being invaded, Jerusalem was in ruins, and the surrounding nations were laughing and scoffing at the calamity that had fallen on Israel. Their blood was being shed, and they didn’t even have the ability to bury their dead. They were truly laid low by God discipline and punishment.(vs. 1-4) What sorrow and pain we endure because we refuse to repent and turn to God, trusting in His forgiveness and grace.
In verses 5-12 we see the plea to the Lord to forgive and deliver them. There is even a cry that God would not hold against them the sins of their fathers. One of the great truths of our salvation in Christ is that He breaks the chains of past sin. No longer are we held under the curse of sin to the third and fourth generation. We can repent and trust that our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered anymore. Psalms 103:11-12, 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.(NAS)
This brings us to the wonder of His Grace and the thankfulness that we have as we trust in His faithfulness to all generations. We are so blessed to be able to turn to Him in times of terrible pain and struggle knowing that His discipline is for a short time and His loving forgiveness and healing are just around the corner.
Father, may I never take for granted Your mercy and grace. Even in the hardest times of deserved discipline, I can trust that Your lovingkindness has not failed me, and nothing can separate me from Your love. Thank You for allowing me to be Your child, the sheep of Your pasture. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob