Psalm 78:23-29 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 78:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven;
Verse 24he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven.
Verse 25Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Verse 26He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind;
Verse 27he rained flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
Verse 28he let them fall within their camp, all around their dwellings.
Verse 29And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
Devotion
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” wrote Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana. The author of Psalm 78—composed to be used in Israel’s worship to recall God’s providence and Israel’s faithlessness—understood this truism. The psalmist pulls no punches! Firstly, he speaks of God’s faithful provision: When Israel was hungry in the Wilderness, God “rained down upon them manna to eat, and gave them grain from heaven.” (Vs. 24) Then, the following verses give context and remind us of Israel’s faithlessness: “In spite of all this they still sinned; despite his wonders they did not believe.” (Vs.32) We who follow Jesus are blessed beyond measure. Lest we forget, let the first act of our daily journey be prayerful surrender and praise to God who gives “us this day our daily bread.” Then let us go forth this day, and every day, to feed all others with God’s gracious love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I lack nothing because of your sacrificial love for me. As I am blessed to be a blessing, I surrender to your guidance and provision in service of others today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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