God's "If Only..."

Text: Psalm 81:8-16

God says, "Hear, O My people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto Me." One of God's characteristics is that He is oh, so willing to make Himself know. He tells plainly what He thinks and feels, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. Here, in Psalm 81, He opens the record for all to read and understand.

First, He reiterated the commandment, "There shall no strange god be in thee, neither shalt thou worship any strange god. I AM the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." (verses 9-10*) This last clause contains an amazing promise; one that was fulfilled repeatedly throughout their desert wanderings, was continually fulfilled throughout Old Testament history, and referred prophetically to the initial Holy Ghost outpouring on the Day of Pentecost and on every believer since.

Then comes the indictment: "But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would have none of Me." (verse 11) Eighteen hundred years later, they were still not willing to hearken and heed, for Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 19:42.)

And the consequences... "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." (verse 12) Jesus' revealed the overarching result... "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate, For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord." (Matthew 23:38-39) Luke says, "...but now they are hid from thine eyes." (Luke 19:42b)

But! His desire, plan, and hope resounded in His reponse... "Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!" (verse 13)

Here's what they could have had, if only...

• I should have subdued their enemies and turned My hand against their adversaries.
• The haters of God should have submitted unto Him.
• Their [Israel's] time should have endured for ever.
• He should have fed them with the finest of the wheat.* (See verse 10b.)
• With honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

This is what God wanted to do! Imagine His frustration! Just think about how these promise would have played out in Israel's history - the ramifications are enormous! Then, bring those thoughts up to date - think again - on how they affect His Kingdom, (the Church,) eternity, and you and I individually.

"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." (Deuteronomy 32:29)

God's "If only" echoes down through history, breathing a wondrous promise to all who will turn their eyes and ears toward Him in willing obedience. (See Isaiah 1: 19-20.) When conviction brings true repentance; reconciliation, and restoration follow, bringing with them the exceeding, precious promised fulfillment of God's plan and purpose - for us individually, and for His glorious Bride. (See II Chronicles 7:14.)