Thursday, December 03, 2020

Devotional 12-3-20

 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13

A PRAYER FOR THE RESTORATION OF GOD’S FAVOUR
    
 A KorahPsalm
     
(A note of interest) Psalm 85 is one of a several psalms “...ascribed to the Sons of Korah. Korah, a rebel against Moses’ leadership, died in his rebellion. His children were spared, and many years later David chose their clan to found a temple choir (1 Chronicles 6:31-37). These psalms apparently were part of a musical collection they used.” New International Students’ Version.     

The liturgy for the beginning of Advent offers some thoughtful scriptures, including words of comfort for God’s people, seeking God’s approval, hearing John the Baptist’s proclamation and Simon Peter’s reminder of the coming of Christ. This may be somewhat surprising as we review these Advent scriptures. But be assured, the story of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, the birth of Jesus and what we think of as Advent’s Christmas story, will come later. 
           
Psalm 85 is a humble appeal to God to end His anger and bring back the peace and tranquility of the past, when He was good to his people. There’s a lot of speculation about God’s response, because if it’s a “yes!” a great change is about to occur! From The Message:
                                         8-9 God’s about to pronounce his people well,  
                                        The holy people he loves so much,
                                               So they’ll never again live like fools.
                                        see how close his salvation is to those who fear him?
                                               Our country is home base for Glory!
                                        10-13 Love and Truth meet in the street,
                                               Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss!
                                        Truth sprouts green from the ground,
                                               Right Living pours from the skies!
                                        Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty;
                                                Our land responds with Bounty and Blessing.
                                         Right Living strides out before him,
                                                  And clears a path for his passage.
Indeed! The psalm does speak of the coming of Christ! And that’s what Advent is about.

Diane Feaganes

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