Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
Verse 2Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
Verse 3Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Verse 4Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
Verse 5Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
Verse 6O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Verse 7He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
Verse 8He is mindful of his covenant forever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
Verse 9the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac,
Verse 10which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
Verse 11saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance."
Verse 37Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.
Verse 38Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.
Verse 39He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night.
Verse 40They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance.
Verse 41He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.
Verse 42For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
Verse 43So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.
Verse 44He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,
Verse 45that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
One of the longest running stage shows in history is the mellow musical “The Fantasticks.” One of the most memorable songs from that classic coming-of-age story is the wistful and lilting “Try to Remember.” It is a musical invitation to recall the happy and significant events of times past—to try to remember those formative occasions which made us what we have become. Today’s text is likewise an invitation to remember, to give thanks and sing praises of the marvelous acts of God. Remember God’s covenant, those wonderful works, miracles and judgments. Reflect on the promise made to Abraham and the gift of freedom from bondage. These are just a sampling of the wondrous deeds God has wrought. They are part of the history which has made us what we are. Try to remember…and as the Psalm concludes, “Praise the Lord!”
Prayer
O God, help us recall your wondrous deeds from creation until now. Most of all, keep us from being amnesiacs so we may keep green the memory of what your son has done for us. Amen.