Psalm 106:13-23
The psalmist cites a few instances of Israel’s faithlessness and rebellion. For details on these incidents see Exodus 16:2,3,9-13; Numbers 11:1-4,18-23,31-35; 16:1-35; Exodus 32; and Deuteronomy 9:16-21.
So how about us? How have we forgotten God’s works? How have we failed to wait for His counsel? How have we indulged our cravings rather than trusting the Lord’s provision? How, in particular, have we engaged in any kind of idolatry? (And bear in mind that one need not actually forge a golden calf to engage in idolatry. For example, do you covet? According to Col. 3:5, that’s idolatry…)
I do not know your particular weaknesses, but I think I’m reasonably familiar with the general condition of humankind, so I think it is safe to say that we can all relate, at some level, to Israel’s failings, and it is good to acknowledge that — and then, with a grateful heart, give glory and praise to God for showing us mercy and loving us anyway.
Well said, John. When I was younger, I always wondered why the Israelites didn’t “get it.”
Now I wonder why I ever think I’ve “got it”!
Seriously, we are every bit as prone to be as wayward as the Israelites, but sometimes in more subtle ways. It makes me very vigilant in examining my thoughts and actions. And ever grateful for God’s patience.
Agreed!
I am so grateful for this group of faithful folks! If left on my own, I cannot/will not see “…the statue of a grass-eating ox!” that I “…traded for my glorious God.” (Ps. 106:20). It takes a dedicated group like all of you to remind me of my faithlessness. Thank you!
I’m a couple of days late with this one, but wanted to share anyhow. The item that jumped out at me was verse 20: “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.” My first thought was that Paul had quoted this verse directly in Romans, but I was off a bit: “…they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” (Rom. 1:25) No doubt Paul could have quoted the Psalm word-for-word, but by exchanging a few words he got across an even more powerful message. I especially liked the second part of Paul’s passage: “…they…worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” John asked us about the idols that we might be serving. Frankly, all those “creatures” that we worship pale by comparison to our almighty, loving Creator. Let’s not exchange the truth of God or His glory for anything else that ever comes our way!