God’s Kindness Despite Rebellion (Part 1)

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 78:1-39

 

Psalm 78:34-35

When He slew them, then they sought Him;
And they returned and sought earnestly for God.
³⁵ Then they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.

(NKJV)

 

The Book of Judges in the Bible chronicles a cycle of following God, rebelling against Him, suffering for this rebellion, seeking repentance, and returning to God. Sadly, the church, throughout its history, has followed this pattern, with many instances today of lukewarmness and failure to carry out its mission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). For revival to come, the church must focus on its mission, as in the Book of Acts.

 

Asaph begins this psalm with a call for God’s people to give ear to God’s law and to listen to the words of the Lord’s mouth, because He is about to give them a parable, uttering dark sayings of old (Psalm 78:1-2). The sayings the Lord is about to give are things they have heard and known because their fathers have told them (Psalm 78:3). They will not hide these things from their children, and tell them to the generation to come, things praising the Lord and extolling His strength and wonderful works (Psalm 78:4). God has established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded to their fathers so they could make it known to their children, and their children's children (Psalm 78:5-6). This is so the next generation can set their hope in God, not forgetting His works, and keeping His commandments, so they are not like their fathers who were stubborn and rebellious (Psalm 78:7-8).  

 

Asaph then reminds them that Ephraim, who was armed, turned back in the day of battle, refusing to keep the covenant of God, to walk in His law, and to forgot about His works and wonders (Psalm 78:9-11). Among these works and wonders are the parting of the Red Sea, leading them by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Psalm 78:12-14). God also provided water from a rock to drink that flowed like a river (Psalm 78:15-16). However, they sinned and rebelled against God in the wilderness, testing Him with their hearts by asking for the food of their fancy, wondering if God could prepare a table in the wilderness (Psalm 78:17-19). They acknowledged that God could strike a rock and provide water, but could he also provide bread and meat (Psalm 78:20)?

 

Upon hearing this, God became furious, kindling a fire against Jacob and anger against Israel, because they did not believe in God and trust in His salvation (Psalm 78:21-22). Despite this rebellion, God was merciful, opening the doors of heaven to provide Manna, the bread of heaven and angels’ food (Psalm 78:23-25). The Lord then caused an east wind to blow in the heavens, bringing a south wind that caused meat to rain on them like dust and feathered fowl like the sand of the sea, falling in the camp around their dwellings (Psalm 78: 26-28). The people ate and were filled, but while the food was still in their mouths, God’s wrath came upon them, slaying the stoutest and choicest men of Israel (Psalm 78:29-31). Despite this, the people still sinned and did not believe in God’s wondrous works, ending their days in futility and their years in fear (Psalm 78:32-33).

 

After God slew them, they sought earnestly for Him, remembering He was their rock and Redeemer (Psalm 78:34-35). However, this confession was flattery of their mouths and lies with their tongues because their hearts were not steadfast with the Lord, with them unfaithful in His covenant (Psalm 78:36-37). However, God, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them, turning his anger away from them many times and not stirring up His wrath (Psalm 78:38). God knew they were flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again (Psalm 78:39).

 

The story of the nation of Israel recorded in Scripture is one of rebellion, restoration, and redemption. Beginning with the children of Israel in slavery in Egypt, God performed wondrous signs, climaxing with the parting of the Red Sea and the drowning of the Egyptian army (Exodus 5-14). God provided water from a rock in the dry desert and food from heaven to feed them (Exodus 16-17:7). Despite these miraculous works, they rebelled and complained, abandoning God and worshipping a golden calf (Exodus 32). Yet God did not destroy them, and the nation of Israel exists today despite the rejection of their Messiah, Jesus Christ.

 

The church is comprised of people of flesh who also have a history of rebellion, restoration, and redemption.  The church of the Book of Acts was on fire, with a reputation of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). However, the church today more resembles the Laodicean Church, a lukewarm church, basking in their riches and wealth, claiming to need nothing while in a wretched state (Revelation 3:14-17). The Lord Jesus is not present in this Church and stands outside the door, knocking to come in (Revelation 3:20). We live in a dark world full of evil, with people seeking answers. Unfortunately, they seek answers in politics, career, education, and pleasure when the answer is in Jesus.

Every person has a God-shaped void in their hearts that can only be filled by accepting the gift of salvation offered by the grace of God. Jesus said that if He is lifted up, He will draw people to Him (John 12:32). If you are reading this and feel God drawing you to Him, I invite you to pray with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know that God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.