“A People For His Own Possession”

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

BIBLE READING: Psalm 105-106

Psalm 105 celebrates God’s faithful dealings with his people, particularly reflecting on episodes in which the people interacted with powerful foreigners who might have harmed them: Abimelech (Genesis 20), Potiphar (Genesis 39–41), and Pharaoh (Exodus 7–14). In every circumstance Israel faced, God proved to be the pivotal factor in their preservation.

The tone of Psalm 105 is one of gratitude (Psalm 105.1-6): each member of the singing congregation should recognize that he is an heir and beneficiary of all these great deeds that God has done, so that each one will embrace his calling to live as a member of God’s holy people (Psalm 105.43–45).

In similar fashion, psalm 106 recites a series of events from Israel’s history to illustrate God’s steadfast love but with one distinct difference: it is set in contrast with Israel’s rebellion and unfaithfulness. The events are selected from Israel’s time following Moses in the wilderness (Exodus and Numbers) and from the time when Israel repeatedly indulged in rebellion against the Lord after the death of Joshua (Judges). All of the episodes are instances of the whole people being unfaithful, and of God’s continuing commitment to maintain this people and to foster among them the conditions in which piety can flourish. The focus is therefore on corporate unfaithfulness and forgiveness.

A prominent theme of these psalms is God’s faithful provisions for his people. Whether they were helpless and hopeless (Psalm 105.12-14), or in direct rebellion to God (Psalm 106.7-8), God’s covenant promises constrain him to faithfulness. He will always make a way for his people to live in fellowship with him, even in the most hopeless circumstances (Ephesians 2.1-10). This sentiment is echoed by Paul in Romans 8.31-39: “I am sure that… nothing in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ…” This serves to demonstrate how seriously God takes his end of the covenant.

Having said that, we must see the effects of unfaithfulness on our part. When Israel forgot God’s faithfulness towards them, God was incited to anger (Psalm 106.40-42). Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12.29), and we must not take his goodness for granted.

Although his work affects each person, we must see the collective nature of God’s plan. God’s covenant is with his people, not simply individuals. Although some stepped up who pleased God (106.23, 30), they were merely conduits of grace through which God preserved the nation. God’s plan has always been to have a people for his own possession who exist to the praise of his glory (Deuteronomy 7.6; Ephesians 1.3-14; 1 Peter 2.9-10). My personal salvation is not God’s ultimate plan. Instead, God’s wisdom is on display in the church, where the saved work together in love and harmony (Ephesians 4.15-16). May we be people who praise the faithfulness of God by serving our purpose in his body, to the praise of his glory.

“Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” (Psalm 106.47)

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