March 14, Reading 2 – Psalm 79, 80

Reading

AudioVisual

SAA Notes

We have a real enemy – the Devil. He goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 When the church takes one step forward and things begin to look bright, something terrible can happen, so that we cry out again as in 80:7. The psalms teach us to speak freely with God, and to stand firmly with our brethren shield to shield in these spiritual battles for the life of our church and people.

SJA Notes

* God Almighty, thank You for all Your mercies to us, each day.

“We have become a taunt to our neighbours, mocked and derided by those around us.”

What a familiar sentiment for the people of God throughout all history.

We endure mocking and derision, the taunting of those around us.

Here Asaph speaks of whole nations taunting, “Where is there God?”.

Jesus makes it clear to us that true religion, a heart after God’s own heart, will always come into contention with the world.

In Mark 13 He says,

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”

Deeper, we see Him – The King of Kings, Saviour of the World – laughed at, mocked and spat upon.

In Matthew 27 we read,

“… And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying ‘Hail, King of the Jews!'”

Paul exhorts us regarding persecution in 2 Timothy 3,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”

So what is Asaph’s request to the Lord as he works through this?

“Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!”

In Jesus we see God’s face shining on us. His glory is revealed in a way not seen even by Moses on the mountain with the train of God’s passing.

In Jesus we see God’s glory revealed in full shining truth – This is our King!

* Father God,

Thanks and praise to You – For Jesus, Your glory revealed!

Thank You for saving us, delivering us, restoring us.

Amen.

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