The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 25 July 2017 - Psalm 119: 129-136
Psalm 119:
-------
We receive nourishment from God's wisdom through our study and contemplation of the word. What could be more important than the search for understanding? What would life be like without some kind of framework to bring it into focus--without a refuge to retreat to or a day of rest? God's statutes shape our shared life by giving us structure, but also insisting that we play within the space that God provides. So not only do we receive understanding and hope in the midst of complexity, but beyond that we witness God's glory--God's face shines upon us in moments of appreciation and awe. Still, as Karen Baker-Fletcher warns us, life is not simply a "gorgeous celebratory event." The end of this psalm also reminds us of this. Through witnessing God's glory we are pulled into relationship with the downcast and dispossessed, from whom we hear Jesus' voice calling out for justice from the cross.
God of understanding, let your word open our minds to what we cannot in and of ourselves come to believe, without you and your presence in our neighborhood. Amen.
Ryan Pusch, '17
Awaiting first call in the Southwest Pennsylvania Synod
Psalm 119:129 Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name.
133 Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 135Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept. [New Revised Standard Version]
פ (Peh)
129 Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
130 Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
131 My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
132 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
133 Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will observe your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 Rivers of tears flow down from my eyes,
because they don’t observe your Torah.
(Complete Jewish Bible)-------
We receive nourishment from God's wisdom through our study and contemplation of the word. What could be more important than the search for understanding? What would life be like without some kind of framework to bring it into focus--without a refuge to retreat to or a day of rest? God's statutes shape our shared life by giving us structure, but also insisting that we play within the space that God provides. So not only do we receive understanding and hope in the midst of complexity, but beyond that we witness God's glory--God's face shines upon us in moments of appreciation and awe. Still, as Karen Baker-Fletcher warns us, life is not simply a "gorgeous celebratory event." The end of this psalm also reminds us of this. Through witnessing God's glory we are pulled into relationship with the downcast and dispossessed, from whom we hear Jesus' voice calling out for justice from the cross.
God of understanding, let your word open our minds to what we cannot in and of ourselves come to believe, without you and your presence in our neighborhood. Amen.
Ryan Pusch, '17
Awaiting first call in the Southwest Pennsylvania Synod
Psalm 119:129 Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name.
133 Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 135Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept. [New Revised Standard Version]
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108, United States
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment