Thoughts

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Chapter 106 opens with a call to praise the Lord and give thanks because He is good and His loyal love endures. In fact, the first five verses are a joy to read. We're sort of saying, "Yes! Amen!" along with the author.

And then at verse seven things take a darker tone. The author confesses that we have sinned like our ancestors. There is talk of sin and judgement, betrayal and anger. Deliverance and forgetfulness. 

And then, in the second to the last verse, the writer pleads for God to deliver us. He promises to give thanks and tell of God's marvelous deeds. And the last verse proclaims that the Lord God of Israel deserves praise forever, and urges everyone to say, "We agree! Praise the Lord!".

He Is Worthy!

What I make of this is that even in the midst of judgement and pain, God is worthy of praise. Why? Because, as it says in the very first verse, "His loyal love endures forever." Judgement and anger don't come because God no longer loves us. On the contrary. If God didn't love us, he would be indifferent to us. He would turn us over to our own wicked ways, which we know from scripture that He does do to those who have hardened their hearts to him. But if we seek him, if we turn from our rebellion, His love for us is shown by forgiveness and redemption. 

As a matter of fact, God already proved that over 2,000 years ago with the death and resurrection of Jesus, His son. We have only to accept that fact and believe that He died for our sins to experience that loyal and enduring love. I'm so glad I don't have to depend on my own effort or my own faithfulness. I fail more often than I care to admit. But he sees it all, and he offers forgiveness. 

The Lord God of Israel deserves praise, in the future and forevermore. Say with me, "We agree! Praise the Lord!"

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 105 CEV, Ch. 106-107 NET

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