Redemption Repeated

“They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.” (Psalm 78:35-37)

Psalm 78 takes a very honest look into Israel’s history, highlighting their victories but by no means shying away from their failings. What it all ultimately comes down to, though, is that God, their Rock, the Most High God their Redeemer, is faithful.

The psalmist reiterates throughout this whole psalm that God’s people rejected their Redeemer and turned away from him. Though God’s anger was kindled against them and he did bring judgment upon them, still “he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath” (Psalm 78:38).

This is what our Redeemer has done for those he loves. He has not ignored our sin, but he also has not abandoned us to our sin. Instead, he deals with it properly. He is gracious and atones for our sin, taking our debts and paying for them himself. Looking back at the disobedience of God’s people can be a humbling thing for us as we realize that we are not so different from them. The ups and downs of our victories and failings may have a lot in common with the cycle Israel found themselves in. But the very good news is that while we tend to take after Israel in their rebellion, God is still that same Redeemer that he was for them! Through Christ, our sins are paid for and we are redeemed! May our hearts be forever turned to praise for Christ’s faithful and redeeming love for us!