Psalm 78 vs 1-16 - He divided the sea

Read: Psalm 78 vs 1-16

The word ‘parable’ makes us think of the teachings of Jesus. A parable is a story where one thing is thrown alongside another to make a point that isn’t immediately clear, it’s an illustration, or as I learnt in Sunday School ‘an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.’ 

Psalm 78 describes itself (vs 2) as ‘a parable’. Jesus told parables to get people to think and this parable is told for the same purpose, to get people to listen (vs 1), to catch their attention and to bring out hidden truths (vs 2). 

The story itself that the Psalm goes on to tell is a true story, and a familiar story to readers of the Psalms. It is the story of God’s dealings with Israel. As we read on however we are reminded that this is a story with meaning. Christians, on the road of faith, are invited to soak their minds and imaginations in these stories not that they might simply ‘celebrate’ the past but that they might learn from it, and in turn teach the lessons of the past to ‘the next generation’ (vs 4). 

God’s purpose from the very beginning has been to create a story that illustrates His greatness and to have these stories retold in ways that ensure each new generation knows who He is and what it means to follow Him. God’s desire is that these stories create trust, and obedience (vs 7) and that these stories would never be forgotten.

The parable of Israel’s history reminds us that it is very easy to ‘forget’ (11) all the things that God has done and all the ways in which he has shown His greatness in the past. ‘Forgetting’ is one of the biggest threats as we seek to remain faithful to God. The Bible shows us that we forget easily, we become distracted, we become self sufficient, all kinds of other ‘stories’ fill our minds. 

At its centre Christian faith is about remembering. There are many many stories across the Old and New Testaments for us to remember and learn from. At the centre of it all there is one story that is foundational to all that we believe. As Jesus broke bread and shared wine with His disciples He said ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ This is the story that shines light on every other human story and experience. This is the greatest wonder (Psalm 78 vs 4), this is the One is in whom believing people put their trust (vs 7).

Prayer: Father thank you for those who first taught me the stories of the Bible. Help me to pass on your truths to the next generation. Help me to remember the things that I have been taught. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.