Psalm 74 was written when the Babylonian empire destroyed the temple of God in 586 BC, which was the darkest part of the history of the nation of Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple of God and the city. God allowed the Babylonians to destroy His temple in Jerusalem because of the sin of the nation of Israel. God's temple should be a place of worship and prayer, but the nation of Israel turned the temple into a symbol of their faith in God. The priest and the people of Israel were no longer worshipping God in their hearts. They sacrificed animals for their sins, but they were not willing to change and obey God. The purpose of animal burnt offerings in the temple was for the forgiveness of their sins, but they were no longer following God's instructions. When God allowed the Babylonians to destroy His temple, His presence was no longer there because He already rejected His people because of their rebellion. Psalm 74:1-3 says, "O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture? Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary."
The Israelites thought that as long as they sacrificed animals in the temple, God would always forgive their sins, and they didn't need to change. During this time, there was so much corruption that the wealthy oppressed the poor, and there was no justice in the land. The temple became a symbol of their faith but not a place of worship. God sent prophets to encourage the people to repent, but they didn't listen to them. They killed the prophet Isaiah and rejected the prophet Jeremiah. We need to always remember that our worship of God demands obedience and repentance. Going to church, giving offerings, serving God, praying, and reading the Bible will not be acceptable to God if we are in rebellion or not willing to change from our sins. If God is convicting our hearts to repent from our sins, and we are stubborn to change, God will not hear our prayers.
The nation of Israel learned the hard way. Always remember that God demands obedience in our worship. True worship that is acceptable to God requires obedience and repentance.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did God allow an unbelieving nation to destroy His temple? What is the requirement of true worship of God? Am I in obedience to God or in rebellion? What should I do when I am in rebellion?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning that true worship requires obedience. Please help me to obey because that is the only way that I can truly worship you. Please do not let my heart be hardened by any sin that I may walk in your ways. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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