There
is, in these passages, the continuing conflict between the life of
obedient faith (Hebrews 11) and the life of disobedience (God’s
judgments in Ezekiel). The Psalmist makes it clear that the life of
obedient faith is not an easy life - “If the Lord had not been on our
side ... they would have swallowed us alive ... the raging waters would
have swept us away” (Psalm 124:1-5). The testimony of the Psalmist is clear: “Praise be to the Lord who has not let us be torn by their teeth” (Psalm 124:6).
As we read these words, our thoughts may turn towards the Bible’s
description of “the devil” as “a roaring lion who goes about seeking
whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Through
Christ, we have the victory - “We have escaped like a bird out of the
fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped” (Psalm 124:7).
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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