One of the most puzzling statements in the Bible tome is Psalm 78:11, “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” In this Psalm we have a clear list of what the Lord did for them. He “opened the door to heaven” to them (v. 23). He rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them the corn of heaven (v. 24). They ate angel food and God sent them meat to fill (v. 25). So, they did eat and were filled (v. 29).
Yet, with all this marvelous blessing we read this stunning verse, “Yea, they turned back and tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel (v. 41).” After all God had done in delivering, forgiving and leading them in His love, they limited the one who had never failed them.
Before we say too much about them, we need to examine our own lives to make sure we are not limiting the Lord. We can limit God in our lives while we accept His power to sustain us. We commit our spiritual welfare to Him but somehow limit Him in concerning our physical and material needs. It is like inheriting a million dollars and yet worrying about a bill for $50.
Charles Haddow Spurgeon wrote, “This was a sin of Israel, and yet has it not also been ours? We must be careful not to limit God’s wisdom, for it is infinite; we must not limit His power, for it is omnipotent; we must not limit his mercy, for it is as high as heaven; we must not limit Him to time, for He will display His sovereignty. He will not be tied to walk by our rules, or be bound to our schedule; but He will perform His word, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek Him.
Let’s be sure not to limit the Lord, our God. Rest in His limitless wisdom, rest in His limitless resources, best of all, rest upon His limitless person. Remember Romans 8:32, “He that spared not His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” What a great God we serve!
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.