Psalm 95, Numbers 13:25 - 14:4

David Kramer considers the consequences of unbelief

David Kramer

Like many people I enjoy reading the Psalms. They seem to cover every aspect of life while, broadly speaking falling into a few categories. Either they are inspiring poetic songs declaring the majesty and glory of Almighty God, or they are a record and reminder of things He has done. Even those that start from a place of sorrow, frustration, despair etc. manage to end on a positive note, thus encouraging me in tough times.

Except - Psalm 95!

Oh, it starts well enough with, ".... let us sing .... shout joyfully .... come into His presence with thanksgiving ...." - verses 1 and 2.

Then it declares how great God is - verses 3 and 5.

Then it calls us to worship, bow down, kneel - because He is OUR God and we are HIS people - verse 6 and 7.

All good so far.

But then this Psalm that started so positively, very suddenly and totally unexpectedly (by me at least!) changes tack. We are warned not to rebel as Israel did in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. Then the writer records God's great anger with them and reminds us of the devastating price they paid for their disobedience.

What's that all about?

I believe the answer can be found in verses 9 and 10 where God says, ".... your fathers tested Me; they tried Me, though they saw My works." Then in verse 10 He says that they went, ".... astray in their hearts ...." and, ".... do not know My ways."

Here's the deal:

• God's works are fantastic


• God's works are incredibly powerful


• God's works are absolutely worthy of celebration


• God's works should result in our immense gratitude

If they simply stood alone as one off acts they would still be wonderful. But God has more in mind! God's works are clues to and demonstrations of His ways.

God's works are building materials for our trust, faith and obedience.

Think about it. Israel had experienced and benefitted from so many works of God: