Saturday August 14, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 105:26-45

[All this happened] so that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!

Psalm 105:45

Reflection: Why did the LORD answer the cry of oppressed Israel when they were enslaved to Pharoah of Egypt? Why did He choose to rescue they who were completely helpless in His midst? Why did God bring the people out with riches and wealth, with rejoicing and celebration, though they had not done anything good? All this was in order that the people might follow Him.

When Israel met the LORD, they were not the strongest people. They had no acclaim, no accomplishments, nor did they even have freedom. They were without fortune or fame to profess of themselves. It was the LORD Who had to bring them out of bondage which was as unbearable as the heat of a fiery furnace. It was the LORD Who brought them out by terrible signs and wonders. His works were so amazing that no one else could claim them. His power on display was too great for the Egyptians to bear. As the Israelites left their captors for the Promised Land, they took with them riches that they did not work for, treasures that had not been their own, wealth that they had never known before, all because God decided to make these people His own.

All our works are like that of early Israel in the eyes of God. For the LORD does not choose His people based on their skill, strength, or resources. The power and ability of humanity is weakness in His sight. Still, as He reveals His glory, the LORD looks for eyes that will see and ears that will hear His Truth and receive it. What can You credit the LORD for working in Your life? All these things have happened so that You might know He is God and choose to go where He leads.

Prayer: Living God, there is no one with power and might like Yours. There is no one with wisdom and sovereignty. No one can claim what You have done throughout the ages. No one can compare to You. I praise You, LORD, for You have done wondrous things for me. I have nothing to claim of my own will or strength, but You have given and provided it all. Thank You for choosing me to be Yours, LORD. Thank You for giving me Your statutes. Thank You especially for Your merciful Salvation upon me. Please help me to remember Your great love, and show me how to depend increasingly upon Your Holy Word. Thank You for all that You do for me, LORD. These things I lift up to You in Jesus, Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Revelation 12; Esther 2; Psalm 105:26-45