Psalm 79 was written after the Babylonian empire destroyed the city and the temple in Jerusalem in 586 B.C. It was one of the darkest parts of the history of the nation of Israel. It was at this time that the nation of Israel lost the land that God had promised them, and it was not until 1948 that the United Nations gave a portion of the land back to the nation of Israel. Today, the conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the Middle East is about land. How did the nation of Israel get into this mess? God promised them a land with milk and honey, which was a picture of a bountiful land, yet they had so much conflict in the land. The reason is because of their rebellion against God. They intentionally disobey God for their pleasure and comfort. They worshipped other gods who agreed with their sins. They didn't want to obey the righteous ways of God, for they loved their sin more than God. God warned them that if they walk in His ways, God would pour blessings on them, but if they walk in sin, God would pour curse on them. Sadly, they chose to disregard God, and they reaped the consequences of their sins.
In Psalm 79:1-4, the psalmist prayed to God, "O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us." Sin destroyed what was good in the people of Israel. They lost everything because of their sin. Sin can do the same thing to all of us. The ultimate consequence of sin is death. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages (result or consequences) of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ our Lord." The encouragement for today's devotion is not to harbor sin in our hearts. We need to be willing to turn away from sin and walk in the ways of God.
Let us not be as stubborn as the Israelites in sin. If we want God's blessings, we must walk in His ways. Let us do what is right before God in everything that we do and say. Today, let us examine our hearts and obey God.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is the ultimate result of sin? Is there any sin in my heart that I am not willing to let go? What happens when I keep sin in my heart?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, do not let sin reign in my heart. I confess my sins to you. Please forgive me and change my heart to do your will. Thank you for reminding me today that the result of sin is always destruction and death. Please help me to choose what is right before you so that I may walk in your blessings. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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