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Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Read: Psalm 80:17-19 “How Long, O Lord?” In this selection we see the people of Israel showing impatience and frustration with the devastation that surrounds them while they wait in anguish and anticipation for the one who will rule them forever. In the past God’s ‘’shining presence” had been a comfort to them in their most difficult moments, such as God’s deliverance of them from Pharaoh’s army. However, the Israelites’ commitment to God has not always been as solid as God’s commitment to them. The ups and downs of their faith in God could be likened to that of a roller coaster ride. Their fear of God’s power makes them hold tight for the short bumpy ride of deliverance, but later their grasp loosens as they face ridicule, disrespect, and destruction while walking alone on the more difficult and longer path to life eternal. While on this path, the Israelites begin to plead with God for the presence of God’s “right-hand man” (Jesus), and they want this man immediately. The Israelites’ situation during this time is similar to how many of us today may feel as we toil alone or with the help of others for the good of all God’s creatures. We get weary from trying to fulfill God’s commandments while having to confront the obstacles of illness, disease, poverty, racism, and criminal activity. We are fortunate in that we know who God’s “right-hand man” is and what he has done to help us know God better. This knowledge does not excuse us, however, from backsliding in our commitments to God. What we have promised God we will do, we must do. We must be faithful as was our model and “right-hand man” Jesus, who gave his life so that we may have the opportunity to live the life eternal with God. Thank you, Lord, for Jesus, your “right-hand man” and the greatest gift to mankind. Through Jesus mankind can learn the way to life eternal with You. Help us to learn to live like Jesus and hold unflinchingly to his teachings and the way of life that leads to life eternal with you. Amen. Debbie Pleasant Comments are closed.
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2022
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