WEDNESDAY Reflections
Here in this psalm, a cry
of mourning is taking place. The psalmist bewails the death and destruction of
Jerusalem and God's people. The psalmist admits to their sins and admits they
deserve this punishment but pleads with God to forgive and to give mercy.
What stands out about
this plea is the reason the psalmist gives. It isn't for their sake but for God
and His name that the psalmist cries out. The psalmist reminds God that because
His name is associated with Jerusalem, it is His glory which is being demeaned.
This causes me to consider how we pray for our churches. Instead of asking God to help our denominations, religious organizations, and our buildings, our focus should be on God and His glory. Shouldn't we want our churches doing well because we represent God, not because grandma donated the stain glass windows? Shouldn't we want God's mercy in our lives when we sin, not because we deserve mercy but because our actions may diminish the name of God? I ask you to consider it.
Psa 79:1-13
(1) A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
(2) The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
(3) Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
(4) We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
(5) How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
(6) Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
(7) For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
(8) O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
(9) Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
(10) Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
(11) Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
(12) And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
(13) So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
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