Instant Replay: Israel Rejects God’s Authority

How to Talk So Your Children Will Listen is a popular parenting book. The title will seem ridiculous to parents whose only childrearing strategy is “I-said-it-you-obey-it,” but many other parents recognize the wisdom of learning how to communicate respectfully, empathetically, and persuasively with their children.

We might think that our relationship with God operates on the “I-said-it-you-obey-it” formula. There’s no doubt that we owe God our prompt and willing obedience. We don’t have the right to question whether God has been reasonable to demand what He does. But the Bible does not portray God as an autocratic ruler who sends down executive orders from heaven with no accompanying explanation. Instead, reading the Bible, we come to understand that God’s commands are rooted in His kind and generous character. If He asks us to do something or stop doing something, it is for our good. For the next few days, we’ll examine these themes by studying Psalm 78.

Notice the structure of the opening verses today. We are called to give attention to God’s Word—“hear my teaching” (v. 1). But what is the most persuasive reason for heeding God’s authority? Because He’s done great things for Israel! The psalmist catalogs all the feats God accomplished for them as a people: He miraculously rescued them from their slavery in Egypt, He supernaturally provided them with water in the desert, and He faithfully protected and guided them as they were advancing toward the Promised Land.

The temptation to reject God’s authority could have been resisted if Israel had called to mind the Lord’s works and wonders. God had already proven Himself capable and willing to protect and deliver them.