Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18 (Psalms 89, 102, 106, 123, 137)
As the exiles realize their sin, confess and remember the words of the prophets, they revisit their history and clearly see where they went wrong. They also begin reassembling for corporate worship. This is where we find these Psalms put to regular use. They are a combination of hymns, prayers, call and response worship sequences and part of an important liturgy that strengthened them in the overwhelming persecution and struggle they experienced among a pagan culture.
A favorite pass time of the captors was to taunt the worshipers as they praised and prayed to a God who allowed them to be wiped from the face of the earth, and become a laughing stock of a nation. The faith of Israel’s remnant knows their transgression, placing adoration in man made idols who’s only power was to separate them from God. In the face of this intended humiliation, they went to church and stated their faith in the God they knew from the past, in the present, and to the future. What determination they must have found in God’s promise for tomorrow.
Looking to the past, generation after generation walked farther from God’s disciplined law. The hindsight of Israel is 20/20. Now they turn to the future and make a plan to obey and honor God in such a way that all generations to come will know that He alone is Sovereign and worthy of Honor and Praise. What a challenge to each of us today. Put away what hinders and clear a path for those who come behind. May the footsteps they find lead straight to the Throne of God.
Love,
Gretchen