Forty-two. Yes, 42. If that just made you chuckle or brought a smile to your face, then you know what I’m talking about. If you are bewildered, then I’d like to refer you to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which started as a BBC comedic sci-fi radio series, followed by a TV show and …
Author Archives: John S.
September 30 / Psalm 106:34-48
Psalm 106:34-48 Today we see one of the most consequential mistakes of ancient Israel: their disobedience in not completely driving out the Canaanites from the Promised Land. As with the incident at Peor, which we saw yesterday, the result was cultic syncretism with its attendant idolatry and abhorrent practices. I won’t bother giving specific references …
September 29 / Psalm 106:24-33
Psalm 106:24-33 Today we have three more instances of Israel’s failure to follow the LORD, three different scenarios representing three different temptations or challenges: Ps. 106:24-27: The refusal to enter the Promised Land (See Num. 13-14.) The people choose fear over faith, seeing “giants in the land” rather than the Lord of Hosts, and not …
September 28 / Psalm 106:13-23
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 …
September 27 / Psalm 106:1-12
Psalm 106:1-12 Whereas Psalm 105 celebrates the LORD’s faithfulness in dealing with Israel, Psalm 106 confesses Israel’s faithlessness in dealing with the LORD. Yet despite that faithlessness, the LORD remains faithful and delivers Israel time and again. Whenever I review the history of Israel, I am appalled at their faithlessness. The people see the great …
September 26 / Psalm 105:37-45
Psalm 105:37-45 Today’s reading completes the psalmist’s overview of the Exodus. We see how the Egyptians sent the Israelites away, even giving them silver and gold. (Ps. 105:37,38; Ex. 12:33-36) We see God’s faithfulness in guiding them and in providing them with food and water all through the wilderness. (Ps. 105:39-41; Ex. 13-17, plus the …
September 25 / Psalm 105:16-36
Psalm 105:16-36 The psalmist continues recounting highlights of Israel’s early history. We see Joseph, having been sold into slavery by his brothers, rising to power as Pharaoh’s right-hand man (Ps. 105:16-22). We also see that it is God Who summons a famine on the land, and it is God Who sent Joseph to Egypt as …
September 24 / Psalm 105:1-15
Psalm 105:1-15 Psalm 105 is a testament to the LORD’s faithfulness to the people of Israel. It highlights several “glory sightings” extending from Abraham to the Exodus. Today’s reading reminds us of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (aka Israel), how He promised to give the land of Canaan to their descendants (Ps. 105:8-11) …
September 23 / Psalm 104:24-35
Psalm 104:24-35 O LORD, how manifold are your works!In wisdom have you made them all;the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 Our reading today continues to give glory to the LORD as the Creator. He is the One Who made it all, and He is the One Who rules over all. He is …
September 22 / Psalm 104:1-23
Psalm 104:1-23 We are back to the Psalms today, but Fred wants to extend his “vacation”, so it looks like you are still stuck with me. Sorry about that. Psalm 104 begins with the same refrain we heard in Psalm 103: Bless the LORD, O my soul! It goes on to extol the LORD as …