Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture…

Jonathan Fleming November 13, 2023 4 2

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Psalm 78: 12-16 (NRSVA)

12 

In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels
    in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.

13 

He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
    and made the waters stand like a heap.

14 

In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
    and all night long with a fiery light.

15 

He split rocks open in the wilderness,
    and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.

16 

He made streams come out of the rock,
    and caused waters to flow down like rivers.

When I open Facebook, I am often struck by the memories made on that day over these last few years. Sometimes, I need to open the image or play the video, in order to take a closer look, so that I may remember who else was there as well as what happened in and around that time!

In stark contrast to yesterday’s passage from Joshua, where stones were erected to keep the memory of recent events alive, we read of the Israelites forgetting the divine interventions in their lives, be it leading them out of Egypt, guiding them through the wilderness, or even providing water from the rock!

This passage is a powerful reminder for us all to remember the goodness and faithfulness of our great God.

Life goes at such a fast pace these days and, like the men of Ephraim, it is all too easy to forget the blessings and miracles that we have experienced. We can get so caught up in the business and busyness of our lives and focus on ourselves in the here and now, during which time we risk losing sight of the bigger picture.

This does not only apply to our relationship with the Lord, but also with each other… The forgetfulness that we read about in Psalm 78 led to division and disobedience. May we never forget the love and grace that God gives to us each day as well as the love and kindness shown by those around us, through which we may continue to foster and strengthen healthy and lasting bonds.

History is full of societies forgetting the lessons of the past. Together may we play our part in learning from history’s mistakes whilst keeping His story at the forefront of all we do going into the future.

Let us pray

Lord God,

How short our memory can be!

Forgive us when we forget your goodness and mercy.

Challenge us to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Inspire us to bring about a future with you at the centre.

So be it.

Amen.