In Psalms chapter seventy-eight Asaph reminded the people of Israel when they journeyed through the wilderness how Jehovah God, “led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents”, and in chapter seventy-eight and verse fifty-six of Psalms Asaph said the people, “tempted and provoked the most high God” where we read,
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
The verse begins, “Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, ...” Asaph began with the words, “Yet they tempted” or “even so and still they, the people of Israel, tried, proved and put to the test” “and provoked” which means “and were contentious, rebellious, refractory and disobedient toward” “the most high God” or “the uppermost, lofty, elevated and Divine judge, ruler and Supreme God”. Asaph said the people of Israel continued to test, try and be contentious toward the Supreme Divine judge Jehovah God.
The verse goes on to say, “... and kept not his testimonies:” Asaph continued with the words, “and kept not” or “and did not observe, guard or give heed to” “his testimonies” which means “his, the Divine judge Jehovah God's, witness and laws”. Asaph said the people of Israel continued to fail to observe Jehovah God's laws and witness.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we are reminded how the people of Israel in the wilderness continued to be rebellious and test God even after all He did on their behalf. They did not observe His witness even though He proved over and over again that He would bless, protect and defend them. God loved the people of Israel, and He loves people today. Isaiah wrote, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (See Isaiah 53:6), and Paul the apostle wrote, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. (See Romans 3:23) In other words, we have all tested, proved and failed to keep God's law. We all need a Savior, and His name is Jesus. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we trust in, rely upon and cling to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and give us the power to keep His word.
Next time Asaph says the people, “turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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