The God Pause Daily Devotional for Monday, 5 March 2018 - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Numbers 21:4-9
Numbers 21:
***
In last Sunday's reading from Exodus, the people of Israel
heard a wondrous reminder: "I AM the Lord who brought
you out of Egypt." In the first verse of this week's reading
we are twice reminded that they are now "on the way"--
on a journey. Yet, are we really so surprised when these
people are hardly out the door before they are impatient
and dissatisfied, complaining about the pace, the food
and the accommodations? When a plague of poisonous
serpents brings them to their senses, in repentance they
plead for mercy. Fortunately, they have not forgotten
where their salvation has come from--from this merciful
God who now delivers them once again. The surprising
irony of this story is that their salvation comes in exactly
the shape they would least expect it. In God's merciful
way of forgiveness, the poisonous serpent of death
becomes the agent and sign of God's deliverance and
salvation.
On this Lenten journey we are invited to relive that
surprising irony. We keep our eyes focused ahead to the
end of our journey--to the cross of Jesus. For we know
that there, precisely in the agent and sign of death, we
will be given to see God's forgiveness and salvation.
God of mercy, as we journey toward the cross, keep us
ever mindful of your mercy and forgiveness that are able
to sustain us with hope in the midst of our impatience and
distrust that so threaten to occupy our attention. Amen.
James L. Boyce, '72
Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek, Luther Seminary
Numbers 21:4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way.
5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food."
6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.
7 The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live."
9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
4 Then they traveled from Mount Hor on the road toward the Sea of Suf in order to go around the land of Edom; but the people’s tempers grew short because of the detour. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moshe: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? To die in the desert? There’s no real food, there’s no water, and we’re sick of this miserable stuff we’re eating!”
(LY: vi) 6 In response, Adonai sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit the people, and many of Isra’el’s people died. 7 The people came to Moshe and said, “We sinned by speaking against Adonai and against you. Pray to Adonai that he rid us of these snakes.” Moshe prayed for the people, 8 and Adonai answered Moshe: “Make a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. When anyone who has been bitten sees it, he will live.” 9 Moshe made a bronze snake and put it on the pole; if a snake had bitten someone, then, when he looked toward the bronze snake, he stayed alive.
(Complete Jewish Bible.)In last Sunday's reading from Exodus, the people of Israel
heard a wondrous reminder: "I AM the Lord who brought
you out of Egypt." In the first verse of this week's reading
we are twice reminded that they are now "on the way"--
on a journey. Yet, are we really so surprised when these
people are hardly out the door before they are impatient
and dissatisfied, complaining about the pace, the food
and the accommodations? When a plague of poisonous
serpents brings them to their senses, in repentance they
plead for mercy. Fortunately, they have not forgotten
where their salvation has come from--from this merciful
God who now delivers them once again. The surprising
irony of this story is that their salvation comes in exactly
the shape they would least expect it. In God's merciful
way of forgiveness, the poisonous serpent of death
becomes the agent and sign of God's deliverance and
salvation.
On this Lenten journey we are invited to relive that
surprising irony. We keep our eyes focused ahead to the
end of our journey--to the cross of Jesus. For we know
that there, precisely in the agent and sign of death, we
will be given to see God's forgiveness and salvation.
God of mercy, as we journey toward the cross, keep us
ever mindful of your mercy and forgiveness that are able
to sustain us with hope in the midst of our impatience and
distrust that so threaten to occupy our attention. Amen.
James L. Boyce, '72
Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek, Luther Seminary
Numbers 21:4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way.
5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food."
6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.
7 The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live."
9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
***
1. hrough the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
In eight lines the writer uses the word "one" five times.
There is a strong echo of Deuteronomy 6 and its assertion
of the oneness of God. With all our many competing
interests and commitments, Lent comes to remind us of
the one God who reveals the divine self in Jesus through
the Holy Spirit and invites us into a deep personal
relationship. The religious plurality of the world may call
us to divide our devotion. But God calls us to remember
that the Light is One.
The words of the hymn also suggest a strong echo of Luke
10:41 in which Jesus says one thing is needed, calling
Martha to realign her priorities. Martha was worried
about many things to be done. Jesus pointed her to the
one thing needed--sit with me, learn of me, entertain
me--and let the other things fall into place.
Lord, forgive me for my misplaced priorities. Help me to
make you the one thing needful. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 3 March 2018 "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow," ELW 327, Verse 1
***
1. Through the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
2. One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
3. One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
4. Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
***
This hymn is not immediately inviting. It appears gloomy,
speaking of a night of dark and sorrow. But before we
dismiss it, a closer look reveals that it speaks of places
and experiences where most people live. Our days are
filled with trouble, trials, uncertainty and joys. So the
hymn writer fittingly reminds us that the journey of faith
brings its own share of doubt that God will deliver on
God's promises. Uncertainty about God's word to us and
God's presence with us is real. In the face of doubt, the
writer calls every pilgrim to march on fearlessly in faith,
looking ahead in hope for God's guiding light. The journey
is not private, but undertaken in community; each step is
taken holding the hand of another sojourner.
Lord as I live out my faith, help me to step fearlessly
through the night while holding another's hand. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Friday, 2 March 2018 - John 2:13-22
John 2:
***
Further reflection on this week's gospel reading suggests
that there are standards or principles by which God
operates. When these principles or standards are
violated, God acts. Why else would Jesus act so harshly?
As Jesus disrupts the marketing in the temple, might
Jesus be saying to us that some of the disruptions in
our lives, in the nation and in the church are acts of
God to redirect our paths? It is hard to know one way
or the other. What we can affirm is that Jesus can be a
disruptive force.
After he cleansed the temple, Jesus was asked about
his authority for taking this drastic action. His response
did not directly answer their questions, and their
interpretation of his response was also amiss. This drives
home a point that all who wish to follow Jesus must
continue to seek to understand his word, and strive to
walk in obedience.
Lord, help me to understand your word to me. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
John 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.
15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
16 He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
20 The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?"
21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 1 March 2018 - John 2:13-22
13 It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Y’hudah, so Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim. 14 In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers’ tables, scattering their coins; 16 and to the pigeon-sellers he said, “Get these things out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market?” 17 (His talmidim later recalled that the Tanakh says, “Zeal for your house will devour me.” )[
(Complete Jewish Bible.)
John 2:17 Psalm 69:10(9)
] 18 So the Judeans confronted him by asking him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove you have the right to do all this?” 19 Yeshua answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” 20 The Judeans said, “It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the “temple” he had spoken of was his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his talmidim remembered that he had said this, and they trusted in the Tanakh and in what Yeshua had said. ***
Further reflection on this week's gospel reading suggests
that there are standards or principles by which God
operates. When these principles or standards are
violated, God acts. Why else would Jesus act so harshly?
As Jesus disrupts the marketing in the temple, might
Jesus be saying to us that some of the disruptions in
our lives, in the nation and in the church are acts of
God to redirect our paths? It is hard to know one way
or the other. What we can affirm is that Jesus can be a
disruptive force.
After he cleansed the temple, Jesus was asked about
his authority for taking this drastic action. His response
did not directly answer their questions, and their
interpretation of his response was also amiss. This drives
home a point that all who wish to follow Jesus must
continue to seek to understand his word, and strive to
walk in obedience.
Lord, help me to understand your word to me. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
John 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.
15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
16 He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
20 The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?"
21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 1 March 2018 - John 2:13-22
John 2:
***
What comes to mind when you read the story of Jesus
cleansing the temple? Maybe a better question would be
"What does not come to mind when this story is read?"
The notion of a "gentle Jesus meek and mild" seems
damaged by Jesus' display of brute force and hostility.
Yet beyond the display of anger, there is a message here
for us during this Lenten season. We realize that there
are things that occasion the righteous indignation of
Jesus. God is not a benevolent grandparent who simply
smiles at indiscretion. God is affected by humanity's
actions. In this case, it appears that Jesus was displeased
with how the temple of God had been transformed to
accommodate the agenda of human desires rather than
serving the agenda of God. Jesus acted to restore the
integrity of the temple as a place of worship.
Lord, help me to seek you first. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
John 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.
15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
16 He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
20 The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?"
21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 28 February 2018 - I Corinthians 1:18-25
13 It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Y’hudah, so Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim. 14 In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers’ tables, scattering their coins; 16 and to the pigeon-sellers he said, “Get these things out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market?” 17 (His talmidim later recalled that the Tanakh says, “Zeal for your house will devour me.” )[
(Complete Jewish Bible.)
John 2:17 Psalm 69:10(9)
] 18 So the Judeans confronted him by asking him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove you have the right to do all this?” 19 Yeshua answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” 20 The Judeans said, “It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the “temple” he had spoken of was his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his talmidim remembered that he had said this, and they trusted in the Tanakh and in what Yeshua had said. ***
What comes to mind when you read the story of Jesus
cleansing the temple? Maybe a better question would be
"What does not come to mind when this story is read?"
The notion of a "gentle Jesus meek and mild" seems
damaged by Jesus' display of brute force and hostility.
Yet beyond the display of anger, there is a message here
for us during this Lenten season. We realize that there
are things that occasion the righteous indignation of
Jesus. God is not a benevolent grandparent who simply
smiles at indiscretion. God is affected by humanity's
actions. In this case, it appears that Jesus was displeased
with how the temple of God had been transformed to
accommodate the agenda of human desires rather than
serving the agenda of God. Jesus acted to restore the
integrity of the temple as a place of worship.
Lord, help me to seek you first. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
John 2:13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.
15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
16 He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
20 The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?"
21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body.
22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 28 February 2018 - I Corinthians 1:18-25
I Corinthians 1:
In today's reading we come across an interesting
comparison between the foolishness of God and the
wisdom of the wise. At first glance the reading might
appear to be anti-intellectual, suggesting the destruction
of the wise and prudent. On closer reflection, however,
the words are an encouragement to trust the ability of
God to work on our behalf. Who would have thought that
salvation would come through the death of Jesus on a
cross? If the authorities had known or understood, they
would not have killed Jesus. Instead, they might have
just locked him up forever. But as Isaiah 55:8 reminds us,
God's thoughts and ways are different from ours. The
Apostle Paul's words invite us to remain open for the
power of God to be shown in our circumstances as we
believe in the finished work of Calvary. When we choose
simple faith, the possibilities are endless.
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
I Corinthians 1:18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,
23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 27 February 2018 - Psalm 19
18 For the message about the execution-stake is nonsense to those in the process of being destroyed, but to us in the process of being saved it is the power of God. 19 Indeed, the Tanakh says,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and frustrate the intelligence of the intelligent.”[
1 Corinthians 1:19 Isaiah 29:14
(]
20 Where does that leave the philosopher, the Torah-teacher, or any of today’s thinkers? Hasn’t God made this world’s wisdom look pretty foolish? 21 For God’s wisdom ordained that the world, using its own wisdom, would not come to know him. Therefore God decided to use the “nonsense” of what we proclaim as his means of saving those who come to trust in it. 22 Precisely because Jews ask for signs and Greeks try to find wisdom, 23 we go on proclaiming a Messiah executed on a stake as a criminal! To Jews this is an obstacle, and to Greeks it is nonsense; 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, this same Messiah is God’s power and God’s wisdom! 25 For God’s “nonsense” is wiser than humanity’s “wisdom.”
And God’s “weakness” is stronger than humanity’s “strength.” Complete Jewish Bible.)
***In today's reading we come across an interesting
comparison between the foolishness of God and the
wisdom of the wise. At first glance the reading might
appear to be anti-intellectual, suggesting the destruction
of the wise and prudent. On closer reflection, however,
the words are an encouragement to trust the ability of
God to work on our behalf. Who would have thought that
salvation would come through the death of Jesus on a
cross? If the authorities had known or understood, they
would not have killed Jesus. Instead, they might have
just locked him up forever. But as Isaiah 55:8 reminds us,
God's thoughts and ways are different from ours. The
Apostle Paul's words invite us to remain open for the
power of God to be shown in our circumstances as we
believe in the finished work of Calvary. When we choose
simple faith, the possibilities are endless.
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
I Corinthians 1:18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,
23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional - The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 27 February 2018 - Psalm 19
Psalm 19:1 (0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
2 (1) The heavens declare the glory of God,
the dome of the sky speaks the work of his hands.
3 (2) Every day it utters speech,
every night it reveals knowledge.
4 (3) Without speech, without a word,
without their voices being heard,
5 (4) their line goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he places a tent for the sun,
6 (5) which comes out like a bridegroom from the bridal chamber,
with delight like an athlete to run his race.
7 (6) It rises at one side of the sky,
circles around to the other side,
and nothing escapes its heat.
8 (7) The Torah of Adonai is perfect,
restoring the inner person.
The instruction of Adonai is sure,
making wise the thoughtless.
9 (8) The precepts of Adonai are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The mitzvah of Adonai is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
10 (9) The fear of Adonai is clean,
enduring forever.
The rulings of Adonai are true,
they are righteous altogether,
11 (10) more desirable than gold,
than much fine gold,
also sweeter than honey
or drippings from the honeycomb.
12 (11) Through them your servant is warned;
in obeying them there is great reward.
13 (12) Who can discern unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from hidden faults.
14 (13) Also keep your servant from presumptuous sins,
so that they won’t control me.
Then I will be blameless
and free of great offense.
15 (14) May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.(Complete Jewish Bible.)
***
Psalm 19 calls us to look at the Law of the Lord through
the lens of the created order. The suggestion here is
that there is a Creator behind the created order who
has built into creation order, structure, principles and
laws. The Law of the Lord has assigned the heavens and
the firmament the task of speaking of God's glory. For
example, limits were given to the sun on how to operate
in creation's economy.
What about humanity? How does the Law of the Lord
apply to us? The Law is described as perfect, sure, right,
clear, true and desirable. Its effect revives the soul,
rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes. The psalmist
then declares that there is reward in keeping the law,
even as it is warning against ignoring the created order
Lord, help me to hold to your law. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
Psalm 19 calls us to look at the Law of the Lord through
the lens of the created order. The suggestion here is
that there is a Creator behind the created order who
has built into creation order, structure, principles and
laws. The Law of the Lord has assigned the heavens and
the firmament the task of speaking of God's glory. For
example, limits were given to the sun on how to operate
in creation's economy.
What about humanity? How does the Law of the Lord
apply to us? The Law is described as perfect, sure, right,
clear, true and desirable. Its effect revives the soul,
rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes. The psalmist
then declares that there is reward in keeping the law,
even as it is warning against ignoring the created order
Lord, help me to hold to your law. Amen.
Algie Lewis, '18
M.A. in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry student, Luther Seminary
Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (New Revised Standard Version)
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The Luther Seminary
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