What does "He remembered that they were but flesh" teach about human nature? Setting the Scene “He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not return.” (Psalm 78:39) Psalm 78 recounts Israel’s repeated rebellion and God’s repeated mercy. In the middle of that history lesson, the psalmist pauses to describe how the Lord views His people: He knows their frame, their limits, their fragility. Key Observation • “But flesh” – humanity is physical, mortal, and temporary. • “A wind that passes and does not return” – life is brief and unrepeatable. Implications for Human Nature 1. We Are Finite • Genesis 6:3 – “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal.” • James 4:14 – “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Our strength, ideas, and lifespans are strictly bounded. 2. We Are Frail • Job 10:9 – “Remember that You molded me like clay.” • Psalm 103:14 – “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Physically and emotionally, we break easily and tire quickly. 3. We Are Sin-Prone • Psalm 78’s context catalogs stubborn unbelief (vv. 10–37). • Matthew 26:41 – “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Our fallen nature gravitates toward disobedience unless restrained by grace. 4. We Are Dependent • Isaiah 40:6–7 – “All flesh is grass… the breath of the LORD blows on it.” • Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Every heartbeat, every breath, every moral victory comes from God. Divine Compassion Highlighted God’s remembrance of our frailty moves Him to mercy: • Psalm 78:38 – “Yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity.” • Lamentations 3:22–23 – “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed.” Practical Takeaways • Humility: Recognize personal limits; resist pride. • Gratitude: Every day is a divine gift; thank Him for sustaining grace. • Reliance: Lean on the Spirit rather than self-effort. • Patience with Others: If the Almighty tempers judgment with compassion, so should we. • Urgency: Life’s brevity calls for prompt obedience and loving service. |
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