Good morning. While some stories bear repeating, others offer fresh perspectives, even when familiar. Today, we delve into Psalms 105-106, exploring a narrative we may have heard before, but which still holds profound lessons for our lives.
My wife and I have been married for over thirty-two glorious years. This isn’t an anniversary note, but an illustration. She rarely hears my sermons or reads my devotionals. This doesn’t bother me, as her reasoning is sound: she’s heard most of my stories, or was likely present when they happened.
The Challenge of Familiarity
The saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, around 1386, captures a common human tendency. While I don’t believe my wife harbors contempt for me, the essence of the proverb is that prolonged exposure to someone or something can lead to a devaluation or disregard. We know their faults, and in my wife’s case, she might even recall events differently than I do!
This concept applies powerfully to our reading of Psalm 105. Here, we encounter the history of the Jewish nation, a narrative recounted repeatedly in the books of Moses, in Joshua, and in earlier Psalms. Each retelling offers a unique lens, a different perspective. Yet, because this history is so familiar, it’s easy to rush over the details, missing the profound implications.
A Poetic Remembrance and Its Purpose
Today’s psalm offers a poetic remembrance of this history and its significance is immeasurable. When we cannot remember, and more crucially, when we neglect to remind others, they forget (Psalm 106:13).
Just as we recently reflected on the acceptance of sadness, I appreciate that Psalm 105 doesn’t seek to highlight the people’s faults. It doesn’t declare, “Remember the Law, and how you transgressed it!” Instead, it offers pure and genuine praise for all God has done. In the chaotic world we inhabit, we all need to pause, step back, breathe deeply, and simply remember His mighty works—not just for Israel, but for each of us personally.
Would you find it difficult to list the top ten things God has done in your life? I’ve lived an extraordinary life and could easily list seven or eight before resorting to merely naming possessions He has given me. I’m not suggesting we take those blessings for granted, but if I truly dedicated time to thinking through the list, hundreds of points would emerge. Yet, most days, I barely consider any of them.
From Remembrance to Repentance
Then, as if turning a page in a book, we transition into Psalm 106. I sense an intrinsic link between the two psalms. Psalm 105 recalls what God has done, and Psalm 106 acknowledges our need for Him to do it again (Psalm 106:4). We are, however, not even worthy to ask (Psalm 106:6).
Yet, we remember, it’s not because of our worthiness. “He saved them for His Name’s sake, to make His mighty power known” (Psalm 106:8, NIV). Therefore, we don’t call on God’s power merely because we’ve exhausted our own options. We call on Him because we desire to glorify Him. Our salvation magnifies His glory.
When we forget His past deeds and cannot call upon Him for His Name’s sake, we become self-centered. We believe it is our own strength at work. And so, He may give us what we desire, but often, it comes with trouble (Psalm 106:15). Our ingratitude causes us to resist His will, leading us to outcomes like that of Dathan (Psalm 106:17), and worse, to chase after idols (Psalm 106:19).
Like bookends on a shelf, Psalm 105 serves as a reminder of God’s magnificent actions, while Psalm 106 underscores the consequences of our disobedience. We must remember God’s power and fear Him.
Take a moment to list ten things God has done in your life. Then, offer thanks for His mercy in not punishing you as you deserve.
Tomorrow, we will continue our journey through the Psalms, reading 107-112.
Citations: Chaucer, Geoffrey. c. 1386. The Canterbury Tales.
Holy Bible, New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.