Graves of Lust – Psalm 78:17-31

The tone of the greater portion of Psalm 78's historical record is sobering indeed as it demonstrates the fearful consequences of sinful rebellion against the Lord and His anointed. Though these sections are more somber and less superficially comforting than what we may prefer in a worship song – they are nevertheless indispensable and spiritual-life-sustaining medicines for the hearts of God's people so often susceptible to self-centered complacency. I Corinthians 10 reminds us of the spiritual utility of these references (10:6-12) “...these things took place as examples for us that we may not desire evil as they did...” We may read the frequent rejections of the God who continued to miraculously sustain having miraculously saved His people and think how ridiculous. These actions seem especially stupid in hindsight and we are tempted to assume we would never be capable of such a thing. Paul reminds us that such thinking is dangerous and denies the very reason these failings are recorded for us. (12) “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall”. These accounts of Israel's covenant history are appreciated for their hortatory or warning uses not to mention their foreshadowing of the messianic future which we will see by one example at the close of this message...