Psalm 80:7-15 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 80:7-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Verse 8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.
Verse 9You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.
Verse 10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches;
Verse 11it sent out its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the River.
Verse 12Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
Verse 13The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.
Verse 14Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,
Verse 15the stock that your right hand planted.
Devotion
My favorite story in the Bible is that of Moses and the Exodus, but probably not for typical reasons. I am constantly amazed that the Israelites were protected from horrific plagues, lived through that first Passover and actually witnessed the miraculous parting of the Red Sea—and STILL doubted so much that they created a golden calf to worship. It’s my favorite story because I relate to people who keep screwing up, who don’t appreciate what God has given them and who need constant guidance.
The Israelites should have responded to God’s grace with awe, mercy, praise, and thanks. I too should respond to God’s grace with awe, mercy, praise, and thanks. They didn’t and neither do I. Thank heavens for the grace of God and that God continues to care for his people even when they stray.
Prayer
God of all, restore us, return to us, and watch over us. Forgive us for our bad behavior, our doubts, and our whining. Thank you for loving us, even when we are unlovable. Amen.
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