From the days of Gibeah, you have sinned, O Israel; there they have continued. Shall not the war against the unjust overtake them in Gibeah? When I please, I will discipline them, and nations shall be gathered against them when they are bound up for their double iniquity. … You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel on the day of battle; mothers were dashed in pieces with their children. Thus it shall be done to you, O Bethel, because of your great evil. At dawn the king of Israel shall be utterly cut off.
It is easy to read the Old Testament with a holier than thou attitude, looking at all the times that Israel failed to heed the Word of God. It is easy to respond that we, the Body of Christ, would never be that disobedient. But we need these passages as warnings to us to adhere to the Word of the LORD. Not to pick and choose, it's not a buffet table, but to obey and trust.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 105
Mid-day: 119:881-88
Evening: Psalm 31
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