Setting The Example

Today's Reading: Psalm 105:1-22

     Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.  Let the whole world know what he has done.  Sing to him; yes his praises.  Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.  Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD.  Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.  Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
     His is the LORD our God.  His justice is seen throughout the land.  He always stands by his covenant--the commitment he made to a thousand generations.  This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac.  He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant: "I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession."
     He said this when they were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.  They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.  Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.  He warned kings on their behalf; "Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets."
     He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply.  Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave.  They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar.  Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character.  Then Pharoah sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door.  Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions.  He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.

     Verses 1-5 speak of celebrating the LORD and his greatness.  Share what He has done with the world- a call to be preachers in our own little part of the world.  Then it continues, remember the wonders he has performed and search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek Him.  In other words, grow in the knowledge of the LORD.
     Verses 7-11 speak of how God always stands by his promises.  Verses 12-15 speak of God protecting his people even when they were small in number. It reminds me of a verse, Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."  He even warned kings on their behalf to leave them alone. 
Verses 16-22 tell the tale of Joseph when he came to Egypt, going from captivity to being the king's right hand man.  This is an example of what the previous verses are saying.  Joseph was tested but he blessed God through it all.  He was willing to speak God's word and God protected himso that the will of God could be done--the saving of a nation from famine with God's guidance at the hands of Joseph.
     As Christians, these verses sum up what we are called to be: (1) praise-filled for God, willing to share the Word with the world. (2) Believers, believing that God will provide and protect us. (3) An example for others so they can see God's hand at work in our lives from beginning to end.