|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Psalm 106 has no listed author, and it contains such condemnation of Israel that perhaps the author wanted anonymity.
The anonymous author begins the Psalm with praise. . .
Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise? (vv. 1-2)
I love the phrase, “Who can utter [remember/list] all the mighty deeds of God?”
The unlimited blessings of God praised in the opening of Psalm 106 form a bright backdrop to the dark deeds of Israel, who, after receiving deliverance, protection, and provision from God — continued to rebel.
As one commentator wrote, “It took God one day to deliver the Israelites from Egypt but 40 years to deliver Egypt out of the Israelites.”
There are eight sins of the Israelites listed in Psalm 106, most of them committed in the 40 years of wilderness wanderings after their escape from Israel. But the tonal quality of all the acts focuses on the adulterous heart of the Israelites against God throughout their history.
Before I list these, the questions we should consider are: God has sent His Son, and He has saved me, but do I still turn against God? Yes, God delivered me from the flesh, but what aspects of the flesh do I still allow?
I’m challenging us, and though I’m not anonymous, I’m basing my critiques based upon Scripture, so don’t get mad at me.
The “Eight Sins” list. . .
Rebelled at the Red Sea (v. 7). Instead of looking forward in faith, they looked back in fear upon their enemies.
Demanded food to their liking (vv. 14-15). How many times, amid many blessings, do we complain because they don’t match our expectations?
Dishonored their leaders, Moses and Aaron (vv. 16-17). When bad times happen, bad people blame good leaders. Do we honor and pray for our leaders?
Worshipped the Golden Calf (v. 19). Too easily, all of us worship a “golden calf” in the form of actual gold, dollars, and prosperity. Money has always been the cause of much evil.
Refusal to take steps of faith (vv. 24-25). When the Israelites first came to the Promised Land, they refused to enter, not believing the promises of victory from God and succumbing to their temptations of fear. How many times have we refused to move forward in faith?
They gave into fleshly lusts (v. 28). The Israelites attended a banquet with the leaders of a city named Peor. They worshipped pagan gods and consorted with temple prostitutes. With pornography too easily available, by God’s grace, we remain pure!
Stole God’s Glory (vv. 32-33). Late in his life, Moses, in anger at the Israelite’s demands, stole God’s glory by doing a miracle in his name. How often do we take credit for our successes without acknowledging God?
Compromised God’s Righteousness (vv. 34-36). What difference is there between us and our neighbors? Our culture stinks of unrighteousness, but have we taken a forgiveness shower lately? Spirit, please convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment!
That’s the “Eight Sins” list of the Israelites, written to the Israelites in both ancient and modern history, and to those who follow Jesus today.
Fortunately, Psalm 106 concludes. . .
Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise (v. 47).
Amen. Peace out!
(The non-anonymous Pastor Grant)