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We do not get many snow days in Louisiana but it did happen this week. I set up a table of treats for my feathered friends and waited nearby for some photo opportunities. I had plenty, and that gave me a reason to give thanks! I took dozens of pictures, but one character really had my attention.
That blue jay is loud and aggressive, but not especially brave. He kept an eye on that table, watching others enjoy a treat. He had to decide if he could trust this new situation or not. A scripture came to mind - or a phrase - ‘table in the wilderness’. It wasn’t hard to find the passage in Psalm 78.
It’s a long Psalm, as Psalms go, with 72 verses. It is written by Asaph and is a rehearsal of Hebrew history, mostly focused on their failure to believe. After all of the acts of God they had witnessed and been a part of, they still found it hard to believe.
They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? - Psalm 78:19
The suspicious Jay landed on the table provided for him, but he fearfully grabbed a few morsels and took off just as quick. Maybe to him this looked too good to be true. Inherent in the provision was a sense of danger, perhaps. His first visit was swift.
Asaph took note of the mistrust of the Hebrews. He remembers all the ways that God provided, but all the ways that Israel rejected.
…for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance….In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. - Psalm 78:22, 32
Mercy was evident in God’s dealings with them. “Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return” (Psalm 78:38-39).
It didn’t occur to me to be angry with the Blue Jay for his lack of trust. I’m sure his experiences in his avian life have taught him to be quick, sensitive to new situations, and watchful for natural enemies like hawks or cats. But also, to take advantage of what is a matter of survival. A bird uses a lot of fuel, and it has to eat.
So the Jay came back time and again. Each time looking in all directions. Usually only staying a moment before taking off in flight for a safe tree limb protected by the heights.
How tentative Israel was with the God who had made himself known in so many vivid ways. “How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the wasteland!” (Psalm 78:40). Toward the end of the Psalm, Asaph affirms that God would choose the tribe of Judah. We know that through the lineage of Judah would come the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace, Messiah, our Savior, Jesus.
Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim; but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. - Psalm 78:67-68
Yes, there really was a table in the wilderness, a provision where there was none before. God was not only with them but protected them and loved them. I’m not too critical of their wandering ways, I’ve been there myself. God has provided for me over and over, and sometimes I’ve just looked the other way. I’m so grateful for his mercies that are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Ultimately, trust grew in the Blue Jay and he filled up his beak with provisions. That made me happy because besides wanting a picture to take, I wanted to offer a merciful supply on a bitterly cold day. Just like my Abba has provided for me.
We should accept all that God has to offer us. Never doubt that God can provide a table in the wilderness. In the wilderness of pain, guilt, grief, illness, betrayal, and loneliness, look for the table. He has prepared it just for you. There may be many provisions, but the one that remains above them all is Jesus.
The amazing Russ Taff has a song about the Table in the Wilderness.
Thanks for joining me on this reflection of Psalm 78. I hope your week is filled with an awareness of God’s greatest provisions. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
The picture of the jay taking off is quite something. I don't have a bird feeder but my neighbor does. Always a riot to see squirrels hurl themselves at it! Sometimes they succeed.
Great!