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The Wisdom of the Body
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. —John 1:14, CEB This month the Read More
Chebon Kernell | Read Psalm 37:1-6
When we encounter the words of the Psalms, we find language of loving God and being loved by God that is becoming more foreign to our day and time. In this age we encounter only on rare occasions a poet or orator who can use the words of written or spoken language to capture the feelings of one’s innermost spirit. Yet we find language that demonstrates human adoration for the divine not only throughout the Psalms but also in Song of Solomon and early Christian writings such as the Odes of Solomon and the Gospel of Truth. Some early prayers attributed to Paul also capture an intimacy that we often lack in communication with God in this digital world.
In today’s psalm we witness this intimate language and the comfort the psalmist offers the audience: “He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday.” So, while the text captures the call to be faithful to God, it also captures the promises of God for the psalmist’s audience. Quickly, one notices the psalmist addressing the plight of those who seek justice. Perhaps those persons who thirst for righteousness in the world and have become weary will now have their cries heard. Those who have had injustice inflicted upon them are now on the brink of their plight being known, which will lead to resolution and reconciliation.
Today, as we meditate upon these words, may we be mindful of those worthy movements across the world whose call for justice remains unheard.
Mighty One, who has created all, may our ears hear and our eyes see those who search for justice. We pray today for those Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) from across North America and the world, whose stories are just now coming to the light of the noonday. May violence, harm, and exploitation cease in the world we live in. Amen.
Joseph had experienced betrayal by his brothers and then had been sold into slavery. At the time, he no doubt had felt abandoned by God. However, after God raises up Joseph in Egypt, Joseph is able to provide for his family in a time of drought. Although others have acted with evil intentions, God uses it for good. The psalmist offers a similar encouragement. We struggle in the real challenges that face us, but we believe in a God who can carry us through them. In First Corinthians, Paul explains that God carries us even through death to resurrection glory on the other side. Jesus teaches us to respond to evil with mercy. Because we believe in a God who will ultimately bring justice, we do not need to serve as judge and executioner.
Read Genesis 45:3-11, 15. How would considering your children’s children to seven generations change the way you make decisions?
Read Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40. What is your relationship to the land on which you live now and the land on which you lived as you grew up?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. How do you live out the characteristics of God’s imperishable realm?
Read Luke 6:27-38. How do you respond to Jesus’ call to love your enemies as an individual? How does your community of faith follow this gospel requirement?
Respond by posting a prayer.
This season, Whitney R. Simpson has given us the gift we must open: a clear, accessible invitation to connect with the divine spark that is within us. This is the best present: being present for Jesus’ birth, God made human.”
Learn more about our newest Advent resource, Fully Human, Fully Divine here.
