November 20
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PSALM 78 WHEN GOD’S WRATH IS KINDLED
21 Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath;
a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel,
22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.
23 Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven,
24 and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths,
31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them
and laid low the young men of Israel. – Psalm 78:21-31
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
When the Lord commands his people, he expects obedience
The Lord’s wrath is kindled when there is disobedience and resistance
Though men are naturally ungrateful, the Lord still provides for them
He can grant any plea from his people, but it has to align with his will
When you have the urge to whine and complain about something
Go to the throne of God, be thankful and keep on giving him glory.
When God’s wrath is kindled, be ready to be shocked with what he’ll do
He can destroy anyone he has created; do you think you are excused?
God is love and he hates anything and everything that represents evil
When you continue to do wicked deeds, he knows you are serving the devil
Repent and be transformed by the renewal of your mind, seek the truth
You will not want to be under God’s fury, so keep on walking in love.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some Christian denominations omit God’s wrath as one of his traits?
• What makes God’s wrath kindled according to this psalm?