Lamentations 3:22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,
that his compassion has not ended.
23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!
How great your faithfulness!
24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;
“therefore I will put my hope in him.
25 Adonai is good to those waiting for him,
to those who are seeking him out.
26 It is good to wait patiently
for the saving help of Adonai.
27 It is good for a man
to bear the yoke from his youth.
28 Let him sit alone in silence
when he has laid it on him.
29 Let him submit absolutely;
there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes it,
and receive his fill of insults.
31 For rejection by Adonai
does not last forever.
32 He may cause grief, but he will take pity,
in keeping with the greatness of his grace.
33 For he does not arbitrarily torment
or punish human beings. (Complete Jewish Bible)
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Today we begin the final days of lead up to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas, June 27- July 1. Maybe your community, like ours, is sending young people. I first attended such a youth gathering in Detroit in 2015. When I walked into worship for the first time, I couldn't help thinking in my own words "This changes everything"--surrounded by 30,000 strong, laughing and praying individuals, seeking God together. What faith experiences have changed you, in Jesus name? What moments have led you to confess, like the psalmist "The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him." I invite you to spend some time this week intentionally praying for the Gathering, the attendees and support teams. I am also excited this week to share with you some devotions from students from my congregation.
Faithful God, your grace changes everything. Our lives begin and end in your loving care and grace. Inspire the hearts and minds of the next generation gathering in Houston that they may live into their baptism, and trust that your love and notice is not earned, but all gift. In Jesus name. Amen.
Kevin Bergeson, '07
Staff Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, S.D.
Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,[Lamentations 3:22 Syr Tg: Heb Lord, we are not cut off]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
27 It is good for one to bear
the yoke in youth,
28 to sit alone in silence
when the Lord has imposed it,
29 to put one’s mouth to the dust
(there may yet be hope),
30 to give one’s cheek to the smiter,
and be filled with insults.
31 For the Lord will not
reject forever.
32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion
according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not willingly afflict
or grieve anyone. (New Revised Standard Bible).
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The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108, United State
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