Advent devotions 2007

Tue, 4 Dec 2007

December 5 - Mountains that bring prosperity
By James Weber, a senior communication major from Reading, Pa.

Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
As I attended the "Church of Reality" in Guatemala City one Sunday morning in late October, it was hard for me to see the glory of God in the garbage dump where thousands of people scavenge and live. As I saw the small patches of corn stalks barely holding on to the side of a volcano, it didn't appear that the mountains were bringing wealth to the people.

The most common explanation I heard for this came straight from this passage: unjust rulers around the world. Policies like free trade agreements and other laws benefit the rich at the expense of the poor. This is a product of having rulers who are not judging with righteousness and justice. But what a revolutionary idea that the mountains will bring prosperity to the people, not just the rulers.

Many people I talked to in Guatemala coped with their poverty through a strong belief in God and believing that, to quote some songs I heard often there, that Vos sos el Dios de los pobres (You are the God of the poor) and Llegará con la luz la esperada libertad (Liberation will come with the light).

Can we believe that God is the God of the poor, the oppressed? Can we believe that freedom from oppression can (and should) come with the light of these Advent candles? Can we pray that our leaders judge in righteousness and with justice (and maybe work towards that goal ourselves)?

Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (NRSV)
Of Solomon.

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.

May he judge your people with righteousness,and your poor with justice.

May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,and the hills, in righteousness.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy,and crush the oppressor.

May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.

In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.


Posted at 18:12 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.