Psalm 79 & 80: God Is Our Shepherd
Verse of the Day: (80:1) Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
1. God Is Our Salvation (79:1-13)
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. (79:9)
Asaph cried out to God as the wicked enemies of Israel invaded and killed many of them leaving their corpses lying everywhere with no one to bury them. They also destroyed God’s holy temple and the city of Jerusalem leaving everything in complete ruin. Asaph knew that Israel, whom God had chosen them to be His people to live in holiness, and shine for His glory, before the people of this evil world, had failed to believe and trust in Him. This was why Israel’s enemies mocked at them, as to where was their God, who did not save them from their defeat. Indeed, God would not save Israel, unless they repent their sins and turn to Him. Until today, many of the people of Israel have yet to believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. Indeed, let us believe and trust in Jesus, living a holy life, and sharing the Gospel, that only He truly saves. (Acts 4:8-12)
2. God Is Our Shepherd (80:1-16)
Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (80:7)
Asaph prayed to God, the Shepherd of Israel, as well as the Almighty in glorious heaven between the cherubims, to forgive the sins of Israel, and to revive and restore them to Him for His glory and praise. However, time and again, Israel failed to repent their sins, revive and restore themselves to God. Let us who are truly God’s sheep, hear His voice and obey and follow Him wherever He leads us for His glory and praise. (John 10:11-18)
3. God Is Our Strength (80:17-19)
Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. (80:17)
Though Asaph saw seemingly hopeless situation of Israel, yet God gave him hope, and encouraged him that He shall send forth a man of His right hand, the Son of man, who is none other than Jesus, coming to this earth, and to live and subsequently die and shed His precious blood to save the people from fiery hell, and one day, promote them to glorious heaven. Indeed, Jesus shall grant those who believe in Him strength amid their weak faith, and hope amid their hopelessness. Thanks be to God, that our greatest hope in this hopeless world, is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is at the right hand of His Father’s throne, interceding for and granting us His grace and power strengthening and solidifying our faith, so that we may glorify and praise Him now and forever. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my Shepherd leading me now and forever.
