Psalm 81

Psalm 81

A Psalm of Asaph – A Prophecy

:1-4 Asaph is calling the nation of Israel to worship GOD according to the statute for Israel.

“Sing aloud to the GOD our strength; make a joyful shout to the GOD of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute. Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, at the full moon, on our solemn feast day. For this is a statute for Israel, a law of the GOD of Jacob.”

:5 The transition from Asaph speaking to GOD speaking.

“This He established in Joseph as a testimony, when He went throughout the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language I did not understand.”

:6-16 The prophecy.

“I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the baskets. You called in trouble and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you in the waters of Meribah. (Selah) Hear, O My people and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. I Am the LORD your GOD who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it. But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him but their fate would endure forever. He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; and with honey from the Rock I would have satisfied you.”

First GOD reminds Israel what He did for them in Egypt, then admonishes them that He is their only GOD, reminds them that they rejected Him so He let them have their way, He reminds them that if they listen to Him and serve Him He sill defeat their enemies even though there are haters of GOD among them whose fate is sealed, yet He would provide for their needs.

Does this not sound like the Church today? We have many false gods that we serve (Selah) doctrines, worship, prosperity, denominations, non-denominations and others. There are haters in the Church who seek to undermine the faith of others by casting doubt and unbelief. Yet GOD’s mercy is for all humanity, His blessing is for the believer and the unbeliever.

Search your own heart (Selah).

Do you go to church because the music is great, they have cool activities for the kids, they have a great coffee – snack bar to sit around in after service and visit with your friends; because the pastor is really cool and they never talk about things like the blood of Jesus and bearing your own cross and other religious stuff?

Or do you go because it is a requirement to get GOD’s blessings and get into Heaven someday; it fills you with peace that you are doing the right thing even if it is not always pleasant or convenient?

Or do you go because you love GOD and what He is doing in your life and family, you love to join in worship of Jesus, you love to be taught from the Bible and you love to fellowship with other believers; you want to make a difference in your community and place of work for GOD’s Kingdom no matter that it cost your whole life?