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Advent devotions 2007

December 12 - The justice of Yahweh
By Ruth Hochstetler, day circulation supervisor in the Good Library

Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Notice how every verse makes a declaration about the Lord who is defined by the Psalmist as the Maker of heaven and earth and the One who keeps faith forever. The Hebrew word for Lord here is Yahweh. According to Strong's Concordance, the use of the name Yahweh implies personal or covenant relationship with. The writer is declaring attributes of a God who is personally involved in the lives of those in covenant with him. These are the blessed ones who hope in Yahweh and rely on his help. This is cause enough for rejoicing, but the writer goes on to specify how Yahweh helps.

Are you oppressed and in need of justice? Allow Yahweh to execute justice for you; he sets prisoners free. Perhaps you can’t see the light; Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Is your need so great that you wonder how you will pay the bills and buy groceries? Yahweh has his ways of feeding you. The Lord, Yahweh, lifts up those who are bowed down. He will come to you in that sleepless night, when anxiety is overwhelming, and his comfort and strength will embrace you. Do you feel unloved? Know that Yahweh will always love the righteous.

If your status is alien, fatherless or widowed, the Lord holds you up and watches over you. Help is on the way. And what does our God do about the wicked, the evil forces we encounter? Yahweh frustrates wicked ways and brings them to ruin.

Our promise is that God reigns forever, through future generations. That includes you and me, my companions in this covenant! Rejoice in our Yahweh! Praise the Lord! Whatever word of encouragement you need today, the Lord, our faithful God awaits to see your face upturned towards his in praise or petition. He will help you.

Scripture: Psalm 146:5-10 (NRSV)
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed;
   who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers;
   he upholds the orphan and the widow,
   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign for ever,
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

Posted at 00:44 #