As some who read this know, I have studied in more depth how the earthly sanctuary was like a 'map' to illustrate experiences God longs to have with each individual. Well, in Psalm 69 (beginning around verse 20 to 28) words are used to describe the 'breaking' of that covenant by going in 'reverse' through the 'steps' of the sanctuary illustration of a covenant relationship. I hear the heart rending cry of God as He goes through the final proceedings of a 'divorce'. In a very real sense all that a God of love could give had been given to Israel as a 'blood line'. But when Jesus came to His own, they finally declared "We have no king but Ceaser". And God accepted their decision. That decision did not come flippantly or even easily. God loves Israel. But God also respects their power of choice. Yet even though God honors that choice it is not, and was not, easy to 'let them go' to the results of what they chose. There was intense suffering and pain involved.
20 Shameful scorn and contempt violently tore at my heart, sickening me. I hoped for at least one comforter, (someone who would unite with me) but no one had compassion or even tried to console me – not one! 21 – 22 Instead they offered me bitter poison as food and sour vinegar to quench my thirst. Let their table (the table of shewbread was the covenant symbol of Your nourishing care) become so ‘thin’ (empty) that they fall away (destroyed by refusing care) from You. 23 Let such darkness surround them (the candlestick represented their covenant relation with You to enlighten them) that they can no longer experience real joy at seeing Your face, resulting in their strength continuing to totter and deteriorate. 24 – 26 Pour out your love power on them with full intensity. But they will become so horrified, appalled and stunned that they will recede and back so far away that not one will remain in their family because They harassed and persecuted the One You smote, and caused mental grief by their gossip against the One You wounded (for their sakes). 27 – 28 Permit this guilt to be added to their present great guilt, which is already preventing them from personally knowing You. (Yes), even let their names be dropped from the registry of those who are honest with You.
(If you wish to read the whole paraphrase click on the link to the right)
As is often the case in the Psalms, this one ends in praise to God.
34 – 36 Let the whole universe join with everything and everyone on earth in singing to, boasting about and celebrating the True God. (Why?) He sets free those who choose to belong to Him. He rebuilds, restores and protects those families who choose His will for them and gives them a secure, quiet place to live. Those who delight in Him, identify with Him and have developed an intimate relationship with Him will live.
What Love!
Now, I want to learn how to share that kind of love with others in my own life.
Bringer of Peace
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