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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I can’t help but feel wonder and admiration when I think of your steadfast love for Israel. They questioned and doubted you at every turn, and they broke their promise to keep your covenant less than two months after it was given. Yet you loved them and cared for them, and you saved them from their enemies. Truly you are a God who is worthy of praise. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me more of the psalms of Asaph. Psalm 78 is an inspired and insightful commentary on the early history of Israel, and it provides a means of putting into practice your command to teach the next generation (Deut 4:9–10; 6:7, 20–25). What better way to teach my children about you than through song? Asaph wrote powerfully of your mighty acts. He told of the great plagues you brought on the Egyptians, he recalled the crossing of the Red Sea, and he remembered the many times you provided food and water in the desert. Yet running like a black thread through these words of praise is the remembrance of the people’s unbelief. They were “a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Ps 78:8). Were they amazed by your miracles? Yes, but “they forgot your works and the wonders that you had shown them” (Ps 78:11). Were they refreshed by the water you gave them? Yes, but they spoke against you saying, “He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” (Ps 78:19–20). Did the people seek you when you punished them? Yes, but they “flattered you with their mouths; they lied to you with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward you; they were not faithful to your covenant” (Ps 78:34–37). This psalm warns me not to forget your works: “Set your hope in God” and “Keep his commandments” (Ps 78:7). Reflection It’s easy to dismiss the Exodus generation as a bunch of rebellious losers who didn’t deserve the great miracles they experienced. Yet Paul said that what happened to them was written down for my instruction. This means that I can be just like them: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:11–12). Request Father, impress the truth of Psalm 78 deep on my heart. May I always remember the example of the Exodus generation and strive to remain faithful to you! Thanksgiving Thank you for sharing this sobering summary of your dealings with a rebellious people. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds” — Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Psalm 81:8–10.