Devotional - August 20, 2025
Scripture: Psalm 80:1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.
The contrast in this text is truly significant. It encapsules so much of the Christian life, all within a few sentences. Hopefully, after I fill in some of what I am referring to, you will be encouraged. It begins with Israels calling out to the LORD. Usually when people ask to be heard, it is because things are not going so well. Or at least, there's some sort of urgency in their situation. They call out to the Shepherd of Israel. In other words, they need guidance. Not just an answer to prayer, but literally, they need God to guide them through the situation. They are lost and lost sheep don't fare well without a shepherd. The situation must be a bit dire because they cite Joseph (Genesis 37-50) in their plea. Joseph was the first born son to Jacob and Rachel, but was eleventh in line of all of Jacob's sons. Joseph was blessed by God and spoiled by Jacob. God gave him dreams of promise and power over all the land which included his own household. And O how Joseph loved telling his family about them. When they were working hard trying to make ends meet, Joseph would be talking away. His pride got the best of him. While wearing a snazzy robe his dad had just given him, good times turned bad. He literally hit bottom and stayed there for years on end. But in the end, by learning to walk faithfully with God (who was faithful to him), he received all that God had revealed in his dreams. Israel is hoping God will see past their pride and indiscretion and lead them like God did for Joseph. In their request, they pay homage to their God who sits between the cherubim. The imagery here makes reference, in part, to the lid for the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25: 17-22). The area between the cherubim is where God resides. It is called the mercy seat. Israel is calling for God's mercy and guidance to deliver them. And time and again, God does. God does not wish any to fail or fall short (Ezekiel 18:32 & 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9). If you feel you have gone left a few too many times, rather than right, make a change and reorient your life in the right direction. You do not have to give God a big long explanation of the situation, just adjust the sails and sail (Hebrews 4:16). God's mercy and guidance will lead you through (Psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 12:9). In these few verses, you see the waywardness of Israel, and us, set against the goodness and power of God.
Pray with me ..., Holy God we regret that we get into situations of our own making where we need to cry out. Whether by our own making or not, You hear us, and for that we are thankful. Grant us the strength and direction to make the changes we need to make. Lord, hear our prayer for our loved ones. We ask your blessing upon them and upon our church. Guide us O God, so we can give You glory, in Jesus' name, Amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brian
