Saturday 27 February 2016

Psalm: Psalm 50:1-15

Background

The focus of the first part of today's passage is in verse 15when God says, "my people have forgotten me". This forgetting orapostasy is seen as perverse (verse 13) and unnatural (verse 14)with dire consequences: in Jeremiah 4:7, it is an enemy that isresponsible for making the land desolate but here it is the peoplethemselves (verses 15-16).

The second part of the passage comes from another of Jeremiah'scomplaints, which continues to verse 23. By way of introduction,the prophet records that an unnamed 'they' are plotting against himand intend to bring charges against him. The implication is thatJeremiah had announced that the activities of the priests, thewise, and the prophets are to cease (verse 18).

Jeremiah appeals to God for help, recounts his enemies'behaviour (which includes digging a pit for his life), and asks Godto remember how he has fulfilled his calling.

To Ponder

• Are there times that you have forgotten God? If so, when andwhat happened?

• How can and do churches and individuals seek to ensure thatthey do not forget God?

• Have there been occasions when you have asked God to rememberhow you have fulfilled one or more of your callings (eg, as adisciple of Jesus Christ, to a particular role or responsibility)?If so, what were the circumstances and what happened?