Psalm 81:8 Hear me, my people, and I will warn you — if you would only listen to me, Israel!
I had an “if only” moment this morning as I lay in bed wanting more rest. I realized that I would have been a millionaire right now if I had only purchased BitCoin when I considered it a few years ago. That’s right. You are reading an almost millionaire’s words! If only….
Do you have any “if only” moments in your life? “If only” moments really capture our regrets for the choices made or didn’t make. We can have them for ourselves and for those around us. If only Twitter hadn’t been available we would have a different President right now! If only China had immediately closed its borders and prevented the spread of COVID instead of allowing millions to leave the country.
We have some regrets in life, at least everyone I know has them. Even the LORD has them on behalf of Israel as a nation. That is what our text speaks about. The Creator of the Universe saw an alternative path for Israel, a path of obedience and blessing. He calls out an “if only” on their behalf.
There are three “if only” statements in this Psalm. The other two occur in verse thirteen. “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways.” The LORD regrets that Israel has missed out on the blessing of the covenant. He loves them so much, He wanted them to receive the promised blessing, but they would not keep their side of the agreement.
Many parents have “if only” moments with their children as they grow. Decisions our children make can have long lasting affects on their your lives. We hope they make it through their formative years without too many of these wrong turns. Some “if only” moments can have a quick recovery. Some can’t.
When we love someone, we want what is best for them. We want them to have the best in life and eternity. We yearn for them to make right choices. We don’t want to have to say, “I told you so” when they make an “if only” decision.
No person is too far gone to be redeemed. No one is beyond the reach of the LORD. No matter how many “if only” moments you have had, the LORD is right with your waiting for the whisper of your repentant soul. Will you bring that regret to the LORD and commit to choosing the other alternative of obedience instead?
We have the same choice that the Psalmist highlights. We can choose to listen to the LORD. We can even do this the first time and avoid the “if only” consequence. Obedience brings blessing. Choose blessing!