Front Row Seats

Psalm 81:11-16

11“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.

Israel did not want me around.

12So I let them follow their blind and stubborn way,

living according to their own desires.

13But oh, that my people would listen to me!

Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!

14How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!

How soon my hands would be upon their foes!

15Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him;

their desolation would last forever.

16But I would feed you with the best of foods.

I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

The two college roommates went their separate ways after graduation, but they kept in touch. Kristen became a successful actress, while Sandy went into business. When Kristen was touring in a show that came through Sandy’s city, she called her old friend and invited her to come and see it on a particular Friday. Both looked forward to the reunion.

That Friday night Sandy got to the theater just before curtain time. All she could afford was a rear balcony seat, but she enjoyed the play from that lofty perch. Meanwhile, Kristen looked out from the stage and saw an empty seat in the front row—the seat she had reserved for Sandy.

Only later did they realize the mix-up. Kristen wanted to treat her friend to the choicest of seats, but Sandy didn’t know enough to ask for her reserved ticket.

In Psalm 81 the Lord offers us front-row seats, luxury accommodations. “I would feed you with the best of foods.” But too often we settle for seats in the balcony. That’s the Lord’s complaint about the Israelites in this psalm. He wants to help them, to satisfy them, if only they would listen and follow.

He wants the same for you. Come up close, get a better view of the Lord’s goodness. You don’t know what you’re missing.

I’ve a message full of love, hallelujah!

A message, O my friend, for you;

‘Tis a message from above, hallelujah!

Jesus said it, and I know its true:

Look and live!

WILLIAM A. OGDEN

Bible Networking

Verse 12 of this psalm speaks of the Israelites following their own desires. Read 2 Peter 1:4 and learn of God’s promise to help us escape the decadence that comes from evil desires.

Notable Quotable

“He gives the best, and brings sweetness out of that which is harsh, forbidding, and wholly unpromising.”

DEREK KIDNER