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1 Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because he's good, because his love lasts. 2 But who on earth can do it - declaim God's mighty acts, broadcast all his praises? 3 You're one happy man when you do what's right, one happy woman when you form the habit of justice. 4 Remember me, God, when you enjoy your people; include me when you save them; 5 I want to see your chosen succeed, celebrate with your celebrating nation, join the Hallelujahs of your pride and joy! 6 We've sinned a lot, both we and our parents; We've fallen short, hurt a lot of people. 19 They cast in metal a bull calf at Horeb and worshiped the statue they'd made. 20 They traded the Glory for a cheap piece of sculpture - a grass-chewing bull! 21 They forgot God, their very own Savior, who turned things around in Egypt, 22 Who created a world of wonders in the Land of Ham, who gave that stunning performance at the Red Sea. 23 Fed up, God decided to get rid of them - and except for Moses, his chosen, he would have. But Moses stood in the gap and deflected God's anger, prevented it from destroying them utterly. (Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 The Message Bible)
I propose that we change the name of The Book of Psalms to El Libro de Corridos. A corrido is a song style that originated in Northern Mexico that tells a complete story. King David was an awesome storyteller when it came to his writing psalms and songs about the history of Israel. I don't know how the lyre compares to the accordion or the tuba, but it's all about making joyful noises. And the telling of a good story, and David came upon the perfect one; the one we read about yesterday. It's about the goodness of God and His unfailing love. David declares the happiness that is ours when we're faithful and fruituf to God. And he calls out to God to remember him, especially when He is out "enjoying" His people; and begs to be included in the salvation that God offers to all. Those who come to God and receive His salvation become a part of the "celebration nation," who offer up songs of Hallelujahs. The past mistakes and sins have been forgiven and forgotten; even to the generation of their parents. David is among the first to admit that he has sinned a lot and falled short of God's expectation and this reminds him of the incident at Horeb, where the sinful people melted gold and cast a mold for a golden calf, a "cheap piece of sculpture - a grass-chewing bull," a fitting tribute to their state of fallenness. Their minds hold no memory of the good things God has done for them, including the major one of God turning all things around in Egypt. God turned their world upside down, from slavery to freedom, and a free trip home! Truly, as this version says, "A world of wonders," including quite the demonstration in the Red Sea. Even at the point of extreme anger that would have incinerated all the people, and God would have done it, but the man of the hour was Moses. Moses, David says, "stood in the gap and deflected God's anger, preventing it from destroying them utterly."
Despite our unfaithfulness, God's love and mercy are evident to us. It is a reminder that even in moments of rebellion, God is ready to turn things around for those who return to Him. God's anger was deflected by Moses, who stood in the gap, preventing utter destruction. Even during those moments of such forgetfulness and unfaithfulness in our daily walk with God, even then God's love remains the same; steadfast and open. When we do repent and turn back to God, God's mercy abounds, and God turns things around for our good.
Where do you find yourself right now, friend? Are you still wandering in the wildnerness of sin and temptation? Do you desire to turn back to God and receive from Him that which will set you back where you need to be? It only takes a prayer and a request, and God will respond and love you, forgve you of your sin, and even forget that sin forever.
PRAYER: Loving God, We thank you for your goodness, love, and faithfulness. In moments of forgetfulness, we often stray from your path and make idols of our own desires. Forgive us for the times we have traded your Glory for the things of this world; embrace us and love us, and we will be saved. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Return to God with songs of praise for all God has done for you.
Receive my blessings of joy and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
