Reflections
“May He rule from sea to sea, and
from the River to the ends of the earth.”
Our psalmist (Solomon) speaks about a
perfect king – a king who judges like God,
governs His people with justice, His afflicted
with right judgment. The psalm's verses speak
of a king that is to live as long as the sun endures,
like the moon through all generations.
The more we read the Psalm, the more it tells us
about the Messiah to come – “May all kings bow
before him, all nations serve him.” He is to fulfill
all the hopes placed upon Him by the prophets.
And, “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,”
as Isaiah says beautifully in this Sunday's 1st reading.
Only the expected Messiah can receive from God
the wisdom and judgment to govern the people with
justice. The Messiah brings great prosperity and
rules the promised land from sea to sea.
The Psalm's verses recall for us our Savior's
promises, to rescue us when we cry out and save us
when we are oppressed. He lifts us up when we are
poor in spirit.
We see the light -- the Messiah is revealed to us Christians
as Christ our King. “May His name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun His name shall remain.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. This Sunday's Psalm speaks of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is to be endowed by God as a just King. Describe how you will
make room for the Lord in your life so that He may govern how you conduct
yourself this Advent season.
2. Our psalmist writes about the profound peace that will flourish when the
Messiah arrives. Tell of how you will receive the Lord's peace during Advent
and how this will affect your life.
The title of the Advent journal leaped out at me across the Instagram page -- "Peace Has A Name." I knew that the message was one I needed and proceeded to buy it. In fact, the planning out and scheduling of my "peace time" may sound like a contradiction in terms. But this Advent, I began determined to finish Christmas gifts early and soak in the season. I wanted the busyness of lists, parties, and decor to be minimized so that I might focus on the truly important -- preparing my heart for the arrival of my Savior King.
ReplyDeleteAdvent has only just started, so I have time to make tweaks and readjust. But let's just say my "peace time" has already been sabotaged. The storms of life continue to swirl, not paying attention to my "Do not disturb" signs. House renovations, family drama, stressful final exams for my children, and even general feelings of gloom for our world, have dominated my days.
Where is my peace? I made every earthly preparation to make room for it. Have I truly made room in my heart though? I am concluding that it can't look like a clear window in my daily planner. Peace is bigger -- and my journey to attain it is not perfect. It is full of setbacks and trials and missteps of faith. I can proclaim His mighty goodness one second and then be on shaky ground the next, upon hearing uncertain news.
What I am learning is that there is someone I have neglected on my Christmas gift list -- and He should be first. And the gift? All-encompassing. I need to offer God the gift of myself! I need to trust in His care to resolve the issues one by one, make molehills out of the perceived mountains, calm my heart and give me wisdom to speak. In the act of that trust, over and over, like a well-trained muscle, I will develop peace. And I will be able to share it with those in need during this beautiful season of giving.
Indeed, "In his days may righteousness flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (V.7)
The title of the Advent journal leaped out at me across the Instagram page -- "Peace Has A Name." I knew that the message was one I needed and proceeded to buy it. In fact, the planning out and scheduling of my "peace time" may sound like a contradiction in terms. But this Advent, I began determined to finish Christmas gifts early and soak in the season. I wanted the busyness of lists, parties, and decor to be minimized so that I might focus on the truly important -- preparing my heart for the arrival of my Savior King.
ReplyDeleteAdvent has only just started, so I have time to make tweaks and readjust. But let's just say my "peace time" has already been sabotaged. The storms of life continue to swirl, not paying attention to my "Do not disturb" signs. House renovations, family drama, stressful final exams for my children, and even general feelings of gloom for our world, have dominated my days.
Where is my peace? I made every earthly preparation to make room for it. Have I truly made room in my heart though? I am concluding that it can't look like a clear window in my daily planner. Peace is bigger -- and my journey to attain it is not perfect. It is full of setbacks and trials and missteps of faith. I can proclaim His mighty goodness one second and then be on shaky ground the next, upon hearing uncertain news.
What I am learning is that there is someone I have neglected on my Christmas gift list -- and He should be first. And the gift? All-encompassing. I need to offer God the gift of myself! I need to trust in His care to resolve the issues one by one, make molehills out of the perceived mountains, calm my heart and give me wisdom to speak. In the act of that trust, over and over, like a well-trained muscle, I will develop peace. And I will be able to share it with those in need during this beautiful season of giving.
Indeed, "In his days may righteousness flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!" (V.7)