I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark saying from of old… - Psalm 78:2
Though I have written on this psalm before, I want to share a little more, as it is again the psalm of the day (following the daily office of the Book of Common Prayer).
The “dark,” or deep, sayings are called such because they have so much of the Law of God given in them, with the charge to teach them to our children, that these laws might abide forever. The teachings from their own history of disobedience, was meant to teach the Israelite people the providence of God, both mercy and judgement. The teaching is meant to encourage them to obey God, even when others hadn’t. God’s work even in our disobedience should strengthen our resolution to keep God’s commands.
The psalms brief summary of religion, containing the principles of faith and obedience, show only our God to be the living and true God. God is God alone, and the only One to be praised. The three-fold mention of the Divine names, and the plural number of the word translated God, seem plainly to intimate a Trinity of persons, even in this express declaration of the unity of the Godhead. Happy those who have this one Lord for their God. It is better to have one fountain than a thousand cisterns; one all-sufficient God than a thousand insufficient friends. This is the first and great commandment of God's law, that we love him; and that we do all parts of our duty to him from a principle of love. We are to love God with all our heart, and soul, and might. That is:
1. with a sincere love; not in word and tongue only, but inwardly in truth.
2. with a strong love. He that is our All, must have our all, and none but he.
3. with a superlative love; we must love God above any creature whatever, and love nothing but what we love for him.
4. with an intelligent love. To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, we must see good cause to love him.
5. with an entire love; he is ONE, our hearts must be united in his love. Oh that this love of God may be shed abroad in our hearts!
May our lives reflect the love that we have of the One who showers us with mercy and grace, though we do not deserve it. Praise be to the God whom we love.
Grace & Peace,
Sam