Day 172
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| God's World! |
Scripture
Observation
The evidences of God's greatness are everywhere visible: in the natural world he has created (104), in his daily provision for his nation Israel (105), and in his patient dealings with his wayward and stiff-necked people (106). Like the songwriter has said, "He big enough to rule this mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart!"
Application
In a well-known poem entitled "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Coleridge depicts the plight of some ancient voyagers whose ship has drifted off course. A seabird, the albatross, accompanies the ship and brings favorable winds—a good omen. But when one of the sailors shoots the bird with a crossbow, the winds die along the albatross. The dead bird is hung around the neck of the guilty sailor as a constant reminder of his foolish error.
Israel, too, could have hung a dead albatross around her neck as a reminder of her frequent and tragic mistakes. In Psalm 106 the psalmist first confesses the sins of the nation during the period of Egyptian bondage (v. 1-6). Next, he moves on to the nation's rebellion during the wilderness wanderings (v. 7-33) And finally he concludes with the sins of the people in the land of promise (v. 34-39). Yet in each case, God forgave his people and restored their fortunes (v. 8-12, 23, 30-31, 44-46).
What albatross do you have around your neck? What sin from the past sneaks up to haunt you? Read verses 8 and 44; underline the words even so, and complete this statement: "Though I have____, even so God has forgiven me." Fill in the blank with a mistake from the past, and realize you're forgiven!
Israel, too, could have hung a dead albatross around her neck as a reminder of her frequent and tragic mistakes. In Psalm 106 the psalmist first confesses the sins of the nation during the period of Egyptian bondage (v. 1-6). Next, he moves on to the nation's rebellion during the wilderness wanderings (v. 7-33) And finally he concludes with the sins of the people in the land of promise (v. 34-39). Yet in each case, God forgave his people and restored their fortunes (v. 8-12, 23, 30-31, 44-46).
What albatross do you have around your neck? What sin from the past sneaks up to haunt you? Read verses 8 and 44; underline the words even so, and complete this statement: "Though I have____, even so God has forgiven me." Fill in the blank with a mistake from the past, and realize you're forgiven!
Prayer
O Lord our God, how great you are! We praise your Holy name for your work in creation and your work in history with your consistent favor on those who walk according to your Word. We will not forget the glorious things you do for us saving us from our sins and remembering them no more! Thank you. In Jesus name! Amen!
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| A Forgiven Moment! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
