May 18th~A Crooked Bow

Psalms 75-78

We continued reading the songs of Asaph. A truth that I was immediately reminded of is that every person is accountable to God for his deeds. “It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall” (75:7). All men, small and great, will answer to Him. Even God’s people will not escape judgment (Heb. 9:27).

However, I cannot read Psalm 78, one of my favorites, without being challenged in several areas. First, Asaph recounted all that God had done in and through the nation of Israel. Truth be told, our God is at work in every nation, even our own. The challenge I find here is this: Do I know and treasure the great things that God has done in my country? Have I been a good steward of my heritage, noting and pre- serving the evidences of God’s grace and blessing on our land and people?

Second, Asaph expressed the purpose for his history lesson — so that the people of his day “would not be like their ancestors — stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God,” but so that “each generation can set its hope on God, remembering His glorious miracles and obeying His commands” (v.7, 8). The challenge here is to go beyond just knowing what God has done in the past but learning from the successes and failures of those who have gone before me.

Next, I am not only challenged by the fact that Asaph shared the stories and lessons of the past with others, but I am more challenged by his reminder to share these things with my children. “So the next generation might know, even the children not yet born, that they in turn might teach their children...” (v.6). Do I readily share what God has done in the past, even in my life, with others, particularly in my home, with my children? Here is God’s design for education. We are not to leave the education of our children to the school, the church, or anyone else. Parents, it must begin with us!

Daily Reflection

How are you doing in these areas? Have you neglected, forgotten, or remembered what God has done in your nation, in your own life? Are you sharing these things with others, beginning with your own family?

Asaph described those who forget the lessons of the past and, instead, repeat them, “as useless as a crooked bow” (v.57). A crooked bow is useless because it does not perform the task it was created to perform. It is unreliable and, therefore, not trustworthy. A soldier could not use a crooked bow in battle; thus, he would have to cast it aside.

Are you a crooked bow? Are you hitting the target at which you have been aimed? Are you fulfilling the calling that God has placed on your life? Are you a reliable and trustworthy servant or are you forgetful, neglectful, or rebellious?

Let the lessons of the past lead you in the present. Remember what God has done and repeat it to those around you!

BiAY.org | Day 138 — 227 Days to Go