Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

Dont misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of Gods law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys Gods laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn youunless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! You have heard that our ancestors were told, You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely wont be free again until you have paid the last penny. You have heard the commandment that says, You must not commit adultery. But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eyeeven your good eyecauses you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your handeven your stronger handcauses you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. You have heard the law that says, A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce. But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This section is known as The Antitheses. Jesus would quote an Old Testament law, then give His teaching on it. This was something the rabbis did frequently, and they usually quoted many other rabbis to make their point. Jesus cited nobody because He is the ultimate authority. Jesus did not contradict the Old Testament laws (He made them after all); He called His followers to fulfill the law and have a higher righteousness than the Pharisees. This happens because Jesus lives inside of us and changes not only our actions but our inner motivationsour very wills can be transformed as we trust and obey Him. Many Christians struggle with these verses because they have a false formula of faith. They (correctly) believe Jesus died to forgive our sins, and (mistakenly) conclude that obedience is optional. Jesus died to save us from our sins; this involves forgiveness and character transformation. He died to forgive usso that we could accept Him into our hearts. He lives inside of us and transforms us from the inside out. Christ is our King and obeying Him is not optional. He helps us and motivates us with love not shame, with gratitude not guilt. Jesus is Lord. He demands and deserves nothing less than our everything.

How does character transformation happen? It happens in our thinking and choices (for good or bad); those choices turn into habits, and those habits shape character. In these verses, Jesus taught us to control our anger, initiate forgiveness, and train our eyes not to lust. These commands seem impossible, and they arewithout Christ. He lives in us and changes our nature (see Ephesians 4:22-24) so we have the power to make the right choices. We can be transformed by the Lord, one choice at a time. Every choice matters.

How is salvation more than forgiveness? Do any of the areas from todays verses (anger, words, forgiveness, lust, marriage)need work in your life

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the worldlike a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of Jesus teaching on discipleship. In this sermon, Jesus defined the Kingdom of Godwhat it means to live in the will and reign of God. Being a follower of Christ means we live in and live out the values of the Kingeven if they are contrary to the values of our culture. For many people, being a Christian means going to church or being a good person. These things are important, but they are not how Jesus defined discipleship. A Christian accepts their call to follow Jesus and (with His help) live His way of life. The values of the Kingdom are clear: A poor spirit, mourning, humbleness, hungering for justice, mercy, purity, peacemakers, and being persecuted for doing right. The Kingdom is not about possessions, wealth, happiness, pride, or power. It does not

work the same as the warped systems that humans have set up. These values, though they seem weak to the world, are full Holy Spirit power! This is the hope that reached out to sinners and made them want to change. This is the compassion that touched lepers, healed the sick, and ate with everyone from former prostitutes to Pharisees. This is the powerful, sacrificial love that went to the cross. The teaching of Jesus is hard to live, but it is not complicated to understand. King Jesus is the hope of the world, the fulfillment of all we truly long for as human beings. The Lord calls us to embody the values of the Kingdom of God. If Christians don't live it, the world will never taste the salt or see the light.

Which one of the Beatitudes (blessed are) is the hardest for you? What is one way you can be salt and light in the world this week

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. From then on Jesus began to preach, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothersSimon, also called Peter, and Andrewthrowing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people! And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzedhe healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he wentpeople from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus called disciples, and it is important that we define discipleship on Jesus terms. First, Christ called the disciples. He was the one who initiated the call; it is grace to be called into life with our Savior and King. Second, He called them to Himselfto be WITH Him. It is only with His power that a disciple can live out their calling. God wants to be close to us. Third, they were called to follow Him; they were to go where He led, do what He did, and obey what He commanded. Disciples dont tell Jesus where to go, they follow where He leads. Fourth, He called them as a group. They didnt choose who was in that group; He did. Connecting with those who love and serve Jesus is not optional; following Jesus always means following together. Fifth, Jesus would transform them. Discipleship includes change. Christ didnt say, Follow me and stay the same. He would make, change, and transform them into something new. Sixth, there was a cost to discipleship. These disciples left their jobs and homes to follow Jesus. There is always a cost to discipleship, and we should count the cost to follow the One who paid it all for us. Finally, Jesus promised to make them fishers of men and women. They would be transformed by Christ. Too many Christians see sharing God's hope (evangelism) as an optional add-on in following Christ. Jesus made it clear: He would teach His followers how to fish for people. Evangelism is not the last thing; it is the first thing Jesus promised He would do through them. Jesus defined discipleship, and He wants to teach His followers how to fish!

How does your life live out the purpose and mission of God? What parts of discipleship need a little more focus in your life? Will you keep evangelism part of your life, beginning with daily prayer?

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. But Jesus told him, No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you wont even hurt your foot on a stone. Jesus responded, The Scriptures also say, You must not test the Lord your God. Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. I will give it all to you, he said, if you will kneel down and worship me. Get out of here, Satan, Jesus told him. For the Scriptures say, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Before Christ began His public ministry, He was tempted by Satan, and there are many lessons to learn from this incredible encounter. Satan tempted Jesus (at His most vulnerable) with three basic human desires: food, power, and miracles. These are also three false ways Jesus could choose to do His ministry: would He take the path of suffering or bribe people with food, fame, and the fantastic? Jesus resisted

Satan in the wilderness, quoting Scripture at every step, and obeyed the Lordeven though it would mean suffering and death. He resisted the temptation to give in to what people want; He chose the harder path for our salvation. Jesus was tempted just as we are, but He did not sin. He lives in us, and we can overcome sin, too.

Satan not only attacked Jesus hunger, ministry, and callinghe attacked the very identity of Jesus Christ, who is Gods dearly loved Son. Satan started each of the temptations with, IF you are the Son of God Satan wanted Jesus to question His identity and the Fathers love for Him. While we will never be tempted in quite the same way as Jesus, we can learn that Satan will regularly tempt us to question our identity and worth as the daughters and sons of God. The Father loves us, and His love (not our actions) gives us self-worth, identity, and calling. This is the temptation we face every day: will we live out that true identity or settle for the stuff of earth?

Make no mistake: we are at war. Satan (a fallen angel) works to pull us away from the goodness of God, but he is not undefeatable. Jesus resisted Him with the word of God and with a resolute will; we can do the same. Fight back. Gods Spirit is living in you, and He is stronger. Know God's word; cling to it.

What are some of the temptations you are facing? What are some lessons you learned from these verses about how to fight back against temptation?

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lords coming! Clear the road for him! Johns clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. You brood of snakes! he exclaimed. Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Dont just say to each other, Were safe, for we are descendants of Abraham. That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of Gods judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I amso much greater that Im not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. I am the one who needs to be baptized by you, he said, so why are you coming to me? But Jesus said, It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

John the Baptist was quite a character! He was conceived miraculously, the son of a priest, and a relative of Jesus (see Luke 1). When he was born, his parents were quite old; they probably died while he was still young. John the Baptist lived in the desert, wore itchy camel's hair clothing, and ate locusts. John was willing to be extreme for God. He did not live like those around him: fighting with swords like the Zealots, hiding in the hills like the Essenes, playing politics like the Sadducees, shunning people like the Pharisees, or just trying to get by like everyone else. Instead, he told people the truth in a bold and direct way, which gave people hope. John was not afraid of the consequences, and he was not concerned about your background or who your family was; what mattered was YOUR choices with God. John baptized people as a way of preparing people for the Messiah and as a sign of repentance.

It is only in repentance that we discover who we are; it is only in dying to our selfishness that we find our true worth. John the Baptist preached repentance, which means turning from the wrong way and making a decision to come back to the true way of God. Jesus chose to get baptized by John, even though He never sinned and did not need to repent. He set an example for us.

Many want to follow Christ without repentance. It doesn't work. Jesus calls His followers to die to themselves because it is the only way to life (Matt 16:24-25). Repent, and follow the way of Christ, finding your true self and eternal worth in the hands of the Father.

Are you willing to be bold for Jesus? What would that look like in your life? What are some areas of your life that need repentance?

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother, the angel said. Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him. That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herods death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I called my Son out of Egypt. Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise mens report of the stars first appearance. Herods brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: A cry was heard in Ramah weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead. When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. Get up! the angel said. Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead. So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herods son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: He will be called a Nazarene.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Herod was a ruthless ruler, paranoid about losing power. He even killed some of his own sons, so killing the innocent children of others would not trouble his conscience. Before you complain to Jesus, remember the hate He experienced. He was hunted as a child with a powerful king bent on killing Him. As a baby, Jesus lost His home, and His family had to live as refugees in another country. His parents had a rough life, but they constantly trusted God.

Jesus was not shielded from the pain and loss of this world. He saw people starve, He lost His earthly father, He knew constant rejection, and He experienced very real pain. Often, we cry out to God, Why dont You stop horrible things from happening? God invites us to cry out to Him; it is OK to complain to Him. As you pour out your heart, make sure you remember the hate and injustice Jesus endured. He understands your pain, and He will give you strength. In our weakness, He is strong (2 Cor 12:9).

Jesus experienced the pain of the world but did not pass it on. Almost all the problems in the world come from human choices: we disobey God, act selfishly, and hurt others. Though He was hurt, He healed others. His heart was stronger than the hate. We can give our hurt to Him; He understands and can take the pain. In Him we can turn the other cheek, return love for hate, and do the hard work of justice.

What does it mean, practically, to give your pain to Jesus? What difference does that make?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him. King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, Where is the Messiah supposed to be born? In Bethlehem in Judea, they said, for this is what the prophet wrote: And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel. Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too! After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The wise men came to visit Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus is king (gold), priest (incense), and sacrificial lamb (myrrh, used for embalming). The magi not only brought gifts, but they also bowed down and worshiped Jesus. They were not Israelites, yet their worship shows they were drawn by God to worship Jesus (who at this point is 6-24 months old). Jesus is God in the flesh, and He deserves our worship. Every good Jewish person knew that a human being was NOT to be worshiped (very different than our culture). Yet throughout the Gospel, Jesus was constantly worshiped. He did not stop people because He is God. When we bring our gifts and worship to God, our hearts are set free.

God is working in every person's life. Too often we confine our spiritual conversations to those who are already in church. We mistakenly believe that only church people pray, think about God, or make choices because of faith. This story should shake that false belief. The Lord spoke to non-believers, drawing them to the King of the world. God is constantly working in peoples hearts to reveal Himself; He wants to be known. He calls us to join Him in the work of love.

Jesus is the greatest gift. How can you accept His love and grace today? How can you respond in worship to Him? In what way can you see the Lord working in the hearts of those outside of the church? How can you join Him?

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph, son of David, the angel said, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All of this occurred to fulfill the Lords message through his prophet: Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God is with us. When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God will stretch you beyond your limits. Joseph obeyed, even when it hurt. When Joseph thought Mary had betrayed him and slept with another man, he did everything he could to protect her reputation. Even in his pain, he did not seek to hurt. When the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream, he must have been relieved to know that Mary had not betrayed him. Yet the Lord told Joseph to stay engaged to Marywhich would have cost him his reputation. Joseph had a choice: loyalty to God or reputation?

Joseph chose obedience even though it hurt. Jesus was raised by a man who obediently loved the Lord, even in the pain. Jesus would follow the example of His earthly father; He suffered and remained obedient to the will of the heavenly Father. The Lord will stretch you beyond your limits so that you understandwith Him, you are capable of far more than you can imagine. The stretching will force you to truly depend upon God instead of relying upon your personal strengths and abilities. Even when it hurts, Gods way is the best way.

How is the Lord stretching you? How can you discern the difference between an artificial limit (which God wants to grow) and healthy boundaries (which God wants you to keep)?

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar). Perez was the father of Hezron. Hezron was the father of Ram. Ram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon. Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asa. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram. Jehoram was the father of Uzziah. Uzziah was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amon. Amon was the father of Josiah. Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). After the Babylonian exile: Jehoiachin was the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Akim. Akim was the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Matthew begins with the family tree of Jesus. Even though Joseph was not Jesus paternal father, he was still Jesus legal father, and so Matthew listed Josephs genealogy. Matthew also compressed some of the family tree so that it would show a pattern of fourteen generations, revealing Gods timing and planJesus was born at just the right time. Matthew included four women in his genealogy, which is a very unique feature. Two of these women were not Jewish, which emphasizes the universal salvation of God. Two of these women also had unique and even scandalous features to their childbirth, which not only shows that God loves sinners, but sets up the story of Marys birth. Marys birth did not have sin, but it was unique.

Our heritage is important. God, of course, has no heritage. He is before all, everlasting to everlasting. He is the uncreated Creator. What wonder that God became a human! Not just appearing as a human; He was born into our world and had ancestors. Jesus understands the highs and lows of family history (some of the people listed in His family tree are heroes, some are not). The heritage of Jesus was written because it is important.

A family tree is easy to ignore, but our families are a big part of who we are. Dont ignore your heritage, and dont be confined to it either. Rise up and fulfill the calling the Lord has on your life. Remember most of all that you are part of Gods family.

What are some of the highs and lows of your family heritage? Why is it important to see yourself as part of Gods family?

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly! Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lords miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldnt wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing Gods patience in that dry wasteland. So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it. The people in the camp were jealous of Moses and envious of Aaron, the Lords holy priest. Because of this, the earth opened up; it swallowed Dathan and buried Abiram and the other rebels. Fire fell upon their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. The people made a calf at Mount Sinai; they bowed before an image made of gold. They traded their glorious God for a statue of a grass-eating bull. They forgot God, their savior, who had done such great things in Egypt such wonderful things in the land of Ham, such awesome deeds at the Red Sea. So he declared he would destroy them. But Moses, his chosen one, stepped between the Lord and the people. He begged him to turn from his anger and not destroy them. The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldnt believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord. Therefore, he solemnly swore that he would kill them in the wilderness, that he would scatter their descendants among the nations, exiling them to distant lands. Then our ancestors joined in the worship of Baal at Peor; they even ate sacrifices offered to the dead! They angered the Lord with all these things, so a plague broke out among them. But Phinehas had the courage to intervene, and the plague was stopped. So he has been regarded as a righteous man ever since that time. At Meribah, too, they angered the Lord, causing Moses serious trouble. They made Moses angry, and he spoke foolishly. Israel failed to destroy the nations in the land, as the Lord had commanded them. Instead, they mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs. They worshiped their idols, which led to their downfall. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lords sight. That is why the Lords anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations, and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, Amen! Praise the Lord!‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106‬:‭1‬-‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is the last psalm of Book Four (Psalms 90-106). The book began with a psalm of Moses, and it ends remembering Moses serving as an intercessor for the people (v.23). Psalm 105 summarizes Gods faithfulness, while Psalm 106 summarizes human sinfulness. Yet even in the face of continued human sin, God is still faithful! The author of this psalm is writing while in exile (v.47); the people of God were punished for their many sins (v.6). The psalmist prays for the Lord to gather His people from the nations so they can praise His name. This is still the prayer of Gods people, though it is fulfilled in a different way. All tribes, cultures, races, and nations are united in Christ, called to praise His holy name (Rev 7:9-10).

Thank God for all He has done. It is easy to forget His faithfulness. Rather than pretending our mistakes never happened, we can be honest about our mistakes as a testimony of His forgiveness and faithfulness. This reminds us that we are saved by His grace, and it encourages others to be honest about their mistakes, too. Repentance is important. When we repent, we are not telling God something He didnt know but acknowledging what He already knew. Stop running from your mistakes. Dont embrace them but admit them; bring them to your Savior and let His love transform your heart.

What are lessons about God you have learned from your past mistakes? How do you understand repentance?