Scripture:
Psalm 78:38-39 ESV
[38] Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. [39] He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.
Observation:
GOD is a generational GOD. The title of this psalm is “tell the coming generation.” Asaph was telling GOD’s chosen people about all the wonderful things HE had done. He had already spoken about the deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, Manna from heaven, and the water had come out of the rock. Right in the middle of this long speech about who GOD is. We find these verses. That tells us about GOD’s heart and HIS compassion for us. After the LORD had worked all these great miracles. The Israelites still had something to complain about. The LORD had plenty of reason to wipe them off the earth and didn’t. HE saw through their humanity to the fact that they would always have something that would be competing for their attention… their flesh. Asaph saw that as well and wanted his children and his children’s children to know the wonders of GOD and the grace HE showed HIS people. These verses start out with…yet HE being compassionate atoned for their iniquity. HE did not do what HE had every right to do. As always, these verses point to Jesus. The reason HE came was not only to show us how to live but to atone for where we fall short. My point to all this is. Asaph saw GOD’s grace, and he wanted future generations to know about the heart of GOD.
Application:
If you just give a surface-level reading of the bible… especially the Old Testament. You might think that GOD is out to get anyone who doesn’t walk according to HIS way or who complains about what HE does. But right in the middle of everything HE does is grace. It’s a characteristic of GOD that is woven throughout the bible. HE sees our human side and knows our struggles. Really, what it all boils down to is without Jesus. None of us would have a chance. The LORD has a reason to destroy us all, but HE shows us grace. So that we will see HIS great love and change our lives, and honestly, HIS desire is that we pass that love on to the next generation so that they can pass it on to the next generation and they can pass it on to the next generation, and on and on. The LORD will live forever, and HE wants each generation to know just how much HE loves them. HIS grace is unending, and HIS mercy endures forever. Tell your children about how much GOD loves them. That’s your duty. But honestly, don’t just tell them… show them as well.
Prayer:
Father, I hope that when these SOAPs go out, they speak to the hearts of your people. I pray that your voice is heard and not mine. Your grace is so amazing, and your mercy can not be measured. Our children need to know that. I personally just want to thank you. You forgave me when I did not deserve it. While I was trapped in my sin, you sent your son, and HE broke my chains. Now that is grace, that is absolutely amazing. Thank you. All I can ask is that you allow me to be a good example of your love for generations to come. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.