TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Psalm 78:1-72
2 Peter 1:18-21

Jesus the same yesterday,
today and for ever.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING OUR ROOTS

Psalm 78:1-8 is the preface which tells us and our children and the generations to come the importance of knowing our roots. Moses commanded Israel in Deuteronomy, to teach their children their history, particularly their exodus from Egypt (Deut 8:1-5).

There is a flood-tide of unbelief, compromise and rebellion in the Church world today known as the Ecumenical Movement. Headed by the World Council of Churches representing most Protestant denominations, it has gathered together the Greek Orthodox Church and is in close fellowship with the Roman Catholic Church. Prominent Churchmen like the Archbishop of Canterbury and Billy Graham are involved in the Ecumenical Movement not only with the Pope but also with the Communists. Why has the Protestant Church today returned to Rome and is playing ball with Satan in politics? Said Dr Clyde Kennedy, onetime president of Shelton College, “The reason for Protestants today going back to Rome is their ignorance of their past history.” Hence this Psalm on the importance of knowing our roots must be read and re-read. The effectiveness of disseminating truth in psalmody is no less emphasized by Moses who wrote the Song of Moses (Deut 32) after denouncing Israel.

The events of Israel’s exodus are familiar to the average reader. Psalm 78:58 takes us to the times of the Judges. In verses 60 to 64 we come to the last judge, old Eli, with his two wicked sons. So, the Tabernacle that was pitched at Shiloh under Joshua in Ephraim was muted, the Ark being captured by the Philistines (1 Sam 4). No church can boast of a glorious past to cover up her present-day backsliding, but that God will abandon her to destruction.

THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 78:4.)
PRAYER: O Lord, help me to remember Thy works and keep Thy commandments.