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December 26, 2016

The Lord Provides

Danny Wright   |   Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

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Lectionary Week
December 26–31, 2016
Scripture Overview

Isaiah 60:1-6 recalls the coming of God into the world as a brilliant light. That light carries with it the power to transform Israel so that those outside Israel are drawn to her light. Ephesians 3:1-12 points out God’s mysterious inclusion of the Gentiles among God’s people. The gift of light carries with it the obligation to accept and proclaim the inclusion of all out- siders. The psalm and Gospel passages draw on imagery of the king and his enthronement. For the psalmist, the king’s power and longevity must serve the purpose of the people’s good. The magi in Matthew are drawn by the light that marks the infant king’s birth and thus begin the process of outsiders who see in the gospel the mystery of salvation.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Psalm 72:1-7; 10-14. How should we pray for our world’s leaders? What is our responsibility in working for justice and righteousness in our world today?
• Read Isaiah 60:1-6. Where have you seen evidence of God’s presence? How has God used you as a light to dispel dark- ness?
• Read Matthew 2:1-12. How do you respond when people ask you spiritual questions? In what ways have you sought the Lord and been sensitive to God’s guidance?
• Read Ephesians 3:1-12. How has God blessed you beyond your perceived boundaries?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

1 God, give your judgments to the king. Give your righteousness to the king’s son. 2 Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor ones with justice. 3 Let the mountains bring peace to the people; let the hills bring righteousness. 4 Let the king bring justice to people who are poor; let him save the children of those who are needy, but let him crush oppressors! 5 Let the king live as long as the sun, as long as the moon, generation to generation. 6 Let him fall like rain upon fresh-cut grass, like showers that water the earth. 7 Let the righteous flourish throughout their lives, and let peace prosper until the moon is no more. 10 Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute; let the kings of Sheba and Seba present gifts. 11 Let all the kings bow down before him; let all the nations serve him. 12 Let it be so, because he delivers the needy who cry out, the poor, and those who have no helper. 13 He has compassion on the weak and the needy; he saves the lives of those who are in need. 14 He redeems their lives from oppression and violence; their blood is precious in his eyes.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

All eyes were focused on Washington, DC. Rick Warren prayed; Aretha Franklin sang; and Barack Obama was sworn in as the forty-fourth president of the United States—an exciting and historic day for America. All manner of opinions, hopes, and dreams swirled in the echoes of a campaign that had been...

Lord, may we pray for our leaders and, in so doing, become leaders ourselves. Amen.


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