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I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

I love the Psalms

Tag Archives: love of Jesus

With Him in the Garden

31 Tuesday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 49, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christ, disciples, hope, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Peter, Peter's denial, Prayer, Psalms, Redeemer, resurrection, sacrifice

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 49:13-20

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ps-4913-end-mix2final1.mp3

LORD God,
I thank you that Jesus,
my Redeemer, lives!
I put my trust in you,
now and for eternity.
I rest in the hope that a new day will dawn
when the dead in Christ will rise.
Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
Peter’s Denial

Meanwhile,
Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself.
So they asked him,
“You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

“He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

One of the high priest’s servants,
a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,
challenged him,
“Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”
 
Again Peter denied it,
and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
(John 18:25-27).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

30 Monday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 49, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Caiaphas, faith, grace, high priest, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Prayer, praying, Psalms, sacrifice, synagogues, victory

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 49:1-12

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ps-491-12-mixfinal.mp3

LORD God,
I thank you
I thank you for the victory of Jesus!
The tomb is empty.
By your grace,
through faith,
I will live and reign through Him.
Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
The High Priest Questions Jesus

Meanwhile,
the high priest questioned Jesus
about his disciples and his teaching.

“I have spoken openly to the world,”
Jesus replied.
“I always taught in synagogues
or at the temple,
where all the Jews come together.
I said nothing in secret.

Why question me?
Ask those who heard me.
Surely they know what I said.”

When Jesus said this,
one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face.
“Is this the way you answer the high priest?”
he demanded.

“If I said something wrong,”
Jesus replied,
“testify as to what is wrong.
But if I spoke the truth,
why did you strike me?”

Then Annas sent him bound
to Caiaphas the high priest.

(John 18:19-24).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Jesus Arrested

26 Thursday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 48, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Caiaphas, community, disciples, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus arrested, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Peter, Prayer, praying, Psalms, sacrifice

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 48:1-8

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/psalm-481-8-mix2final.mp3

LORD God,
I thank you
because you live within us!
Help me to let my light shine
in my city or community,
whether it is large or small, urban or rural.
Your Holy Spirit has come
to live within your people.
Amen.

     — — — —

St-Takla.org –Jesus Arrested


Lent Reading:
Jesus Arrested

Then Simon Peter,
who had a sword,
drew it and struck the high priest’s servant,
cutting off his right ear.
(The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Jesus commanded Peter,
“Put your sword away!
Shall I not drink the cup
the Father has given me?”

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander
and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.
They bound him
 
and brought him first to Annas,
who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas,
the high priest that year.
 
Caiaphas was the one
who had advised the Jewish leaders
that it would be good if one man died for the people.
(John 18:10-14).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Judas Comes to the Garden

25 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

betrayed, disciples, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Judas, Lent, love of Jesus, Prayer, praying, Psalms, sacrifice, Savior, strength, the cross, trust in God

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 47

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/psalm-47-mix2final.mp3

LORD God,
I put my trust in you.
In times of trouble,
you have been my help
and my strength.
I turn to you in confidence
because you are with me.
You are my Savior and my God.
Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
Judas Comes to the Garden

When he had finished praying,
Jesus left with his disciples
and crossed the Kidron Valley.
On the other side there was a garden,
and he and his disciples went into it.

Now Judas, who betrayed him,
knew the place,
because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

So Judas came to the garden,
guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials
from the chief priests and the Pharisees.
They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

(John 18:1-3).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Jesus Prays for His Followers

24 Tuesday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 46, Psalms

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

attitude, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Prayer, prayer for believers, Psalms, sacrifice, strength, the cross, trust in God

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 46:8-11

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ps-468-11-mix1final.mp3

LORD God,
alter me at the foot of the cross.
I need you to change my heart,
my life, my attitude.
Help me be still before you
as I contemplate your love—
love I don’t deserve—
that I have not earned.
But Jesus,
you offered yourself freely.
Thank you.
Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
Jesus Prays for His Followers

“Righteous Father,
though the world does not know you,
I know you,
and they know that you have sent me.

I have made you known to them,
and will continue to make you known
in order that the love you have for me
may be in them
and that I myself may be in them.”
(John 17:25-26).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Jesus Prays for Believers

23 Monday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 46, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

confidence in God, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Prayer, prayer for believers, Psalms, strength, trust in God, unity

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer


Today’s Reading: Psalm 46:1-7

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ps-461-7-mix1final1.mp3

LORD God,
I put my trust in you.
In these times of trouble,
you are my help and my strength.
I turn to you in confidence
because you are with me.
You are my Savior
and my God.
Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
Jesus Prays for Believers

“My prayer is not for them alone.
I pray also for those
who will believe in me through their message,

that all of them may be one,
Father,
just as you are in me
and I am in you.
May they also be in us
so that the world may believe
that you have sent me.

I have given them the glory
that you gave me,
that they may be one as we are one—

I in them and you in me—
so that they may be brought to complete unity.
Then the world will know
that you sent me
and have loved them
even as you have loved me.
(John 17:20-23).

* * *

This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

Jesus Prays for His Bride

20 Friday Mar 2026

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 45, Psalms

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bride of Christ, disciples, Jesus, Jesus' sacrifice, Lent, love of Jesus, Prayer, Psalms, sanctify, truth

Today’s quote and prayer from
“Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Christ calls us his bride.


Today’s
Reading: Psalm 45:10-17

Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:
https://davidkitz.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ps-4510-17-mixfinal.mp3

LORD God,
I want to be beautiful for Jesus.
I make it my aim to please you today
in all I say, think and do.
I am forever grateful for your love.
I pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

     — — — —


Lent Reading:
Jesus Prays for His Bride

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one.

They are not of the world,
even as I am not of it.

Sanctify them by the truth;
your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world,
I have sent them into the world.

For them I sanctify myself,
that they too may be truly sanctified.

(John 17:15-19).

* * *


This is love:
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(1 John 4:10 NIV)

Para la publicación de Salmos 365 de hoy en español haga clic aquí.

bgbg_v4.3_1501818
* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

Pray for peace in Israel, Iran and the Middle East
and continue to pray for peace to return to Ukraine and Russia!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Ideal for the Season of Lent


Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.

To view further details or purchase click here.

God’s Choice

07 Thursday Sep 2023

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 78

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

chosen, gospel, Israel, love of Jesus

Reading: Psalm 78:50-55
He prepared a path for his anger;
he did not spare them from death
but gave them over to the plague.
He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.
But he brought his people out like a flock;
he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
He guided them safely, so they were unafraid;
but the sea engulfed their enemies.
And so he brought them to the border of his holy land,
to the hill country his right hand had taken.
He drove out nations before them
and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance;
he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes
(NIV). *

Heron 2021-09-06

Blue Heron — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Understanding God’s choice is not a simple matter. Today’s reading from Psalm 78 draws our attention to the choices God makes. Why did God choose the people of Israel? Why did He decide to get behind this rebellious people? Why did the LORD throw His active support behind a slave revolt? Why did He show mercy to Israel, but pour out His wrath on Egypt?

Of course, we can ask the same questions on a personal level. Why did God choose to save me from my personal pile of sin and destructive habits? Why did He show me the incredible love of Jesus through his death on the cross? Why did the message of the gospel touch me so deeply and transform me so radically, while it bounced off others around me like a babble of meaningless words?

We may never know the answers to these questions. What I do know is God did not choose the best and the greatest when He chose Israel. Furthermore, at this present time, God overlooked the best and the greatest and instead He chose you and me. St. Paul writes, “My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn’t think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, CEV).

St. Paul writes, “The god who rules this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They cannot see the light, which is the good news about our glorious Christ, who shows what God is like” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Why does the light go on for some, but not for others? We could spend an eternity pondering these questions and not arrive at a satisfactory answer. Ultimately, we must allow God to be God. We did not choose Him, but rather He chose us and for that we can be eternally grateful.

Response: LORD God, I am thankful your Spirit sought me out and drew me to the cross of Jesus. I bow before you in praise and gratitude. I pray you will show the same mercy to many others. Give me a heart of compassion for those who have not experienced your saving grace. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you understand God’s sovereign choice? How do you respond?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for peace to return to Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

Vol III 2021-07-17 at 8.15.36 AM

Sweeter Than Honey

22 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 119

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

honey, love of God, love of Jesus, The Spirit

Reading: Psalm 119:97-104
מ Mem
Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path
(NIV).*

honey on plate and spoon

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels.com

Reflection
Here’s a question for you: How do you take a bone away from a hungry dog?

Answer: You offer him a steak.

In many respects humans respond just like dogs. We won’t give up our filthy habits unless we are offered something much better. Many years back I remember a conversation with a drug addict—a former drug addict. I asked him if he found it difficult to give up his drug habit.

“No it was easy. Once I experienced the love of God—the real love of Jesus for me on the cross—it was easy. I found something so much better,” he said with a huge grin on his face.

These words from today’s reading reflect the same concept: I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It’s not hard to walk the straight and narrow when you are walking that path with the Lord—when He Himself is teaching you—when your heart is burning within you as the resurrected Jesus opens the eyes of your understanding. See Luke 24:13-32. There is a closeness in the Spirit that has no equal. Those are the moments that change you forever because you are fully with God. His word is rich. It’s nourishment to your famished soul. His love is the air you breathe.

Who here wants a dirty chewed up bone when there’s steak on offer?

Response: Father God, renew my first love for you. I want to fall in love with you again. Fill me with delight for your word and your Spirit. Completely change my affections. Amen.

Your Turn: Are you too content with your bone? Have you experienced the nearness of Jesus?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

BGBG_v4.3_150[1818]

Please pray for the people of Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.

God’s Choice

18 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 78, Psalms

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

God's choice, love of Jesus, people of Israel

Reading: Psalm 78:50-55
He prepared a path for his anger;
he did not spare them from death
but gave them over to the plague.
He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt,
the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.
But he brought his people out like a flock;
he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
He guided them safely, so they were unafraid;
but the sea engulfed their enemies.
And so he brought them to the border of his holy land,
to the hill country his right hand had taken.
He drove out nations before them
and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance;
he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes
(NIV).*

selective focus photo of white flowers

Photo by Luku00e1u0161 Dlutko on Pexels.com

Reflection
Understanding God’s choice is not a simple matter. Today’s reading from Psalm 78 draws our attention to the choices God makes. Why did God choose the people of Israel? Why did He decide to get behind this rebellious people? Why did the LORD throw His active support behind a slave revolt? Why did He show mercy to Israel, but pour out His wrath on Egypt?

Of course we can ask the same questions on a personal level. Why did God choose to save me from my personal pile of sin and destructive habits? Why did He show me the incredible love of Jesus through his death on the cross? Why did the message of the gospel touch me so deeply and transform me so radically, while it bounced off others around me like a babble of meaningless words?

We may never know the answers to these questions. What I do know is God did not choose the best and the greatest when He chose Israel. Furthermore, at this present time, God overlooked the best and the greatest and instead He chose you and me. St. Paul writes, “My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn’t think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, CEV).

St. Paul writes, “The god who rules this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They cannot see the light, which is the good news about our glorious Christ, who shows what God is like” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Why does the light go on for some, but not for others? We could spend an eternity pondering these questions and not arrive at a satisfactory answer. Ultimately, we must allow God to be God. We did not choose Him, but rather He chose us and for that we can be eternally grateful.

Response: LORD God, I am thankful your Spirit sought me out and drew me to the cross of Jesus. I bow before you in praise and gratitude. I pray you will show the same mercy to many others. Give me a heart of compassion for those who have not experienced your saving grace. Amen.

Your Turn: Do you understand God’s sovereign choice? How do you respond?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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