April 28, 2017. Psalms 81, 88, 92-93.

 

On the first day of the seventh month in the Jewish calendar, there is a blowing of the trumpets to announce the beginning of the Feast of the Trumpets. This is the most holy month of the year, the seventh month. Psalm 81 is the psalm that was read for the Feast of Trumpets. And so the beginning of the psalm is sort of a proclamation for this day that has arrived.

A short history of God’s deliverance of Israel when they were slaves in Egypt is presented followed by a stern warning from God for His people to listen to Him.

8 “Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me!

During the most holy of months the Israelites are vividly reminded to listen to God. A reminder we all can use daily. Each day we are faced with the choice of obeying God or following the desires of our own hearts.

11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.

Following our own desires without the counsel of God always ends in trouble for us. In order to be blessed by God and see his deliverance from our enemies we must listen to warnings and direction. Our willingness to listen to God is a direct reflection of the condition of our hearts. Israel heart condition was affected by the worship of false God’s.

8b O Israel, if you would only listen to me! 9 You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god.10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. 

The greatest false god we struggle with today is us. When we refuse to listen to God it is as if we do not want Him around

11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. then He allows us to live as we please 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.

Having lived that way I can honestly say it is a hard road to travel. 

God’s desire is to bless us and deliver us all we must do is listen to him and shape our wills his will

14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!  16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

 

“Heavenly Father teach me today to listen to you.

Make my desires your desires for me.

Keep me from the deceit of my own heart and give

to me the blessings and victories that you will 

for me today”

In Jesus name I pray!