April 14, 2011

April 14: Recreated and restored

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By Jake Shipe, resident director
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 31:9-16 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

DEVOTIONAL:
The theme for this year’s Lenten Devotions asks the question, what does it mean for us to be the created and recreated images of God? How may we become authentically human?

In Genesis 1:26, 27, God said, “Let us make humankind in our image…” One of the main aspects of being created in God’s image was to be in a righteous and holy relationship with God. When sin came into the world through humans, that right relationship was broken. However, God created a provision for us through his son Jesus to be in a restored relationship with him, which recreated our broken and marred images.

Sin is the element that keeps us in bondage and in an oppressed state. In today’s Scripture (Ps. 31:9-16), David expresses to God his oppressed state, “my eyes, body and soul grow weak … I am the utter contempt … there is terror on every side.” These feelings described by David are still shared by those today, whether its those oppressed by tyrannical governments, those weakened in their impoverished state or those filled with anxiety of the unknowns that the future holds.

This week’s theme is Hosanna. In similar regards, David confidently exclaims, “But I trust in you, O God; I say, “You are my God . . . Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Hosanna means “save us.” But to take it a step further, it means, “God restore our broken relationship with you and recreate us in your image, make us authentically human.”

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 31:9-16 (NRSV)
9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. 11 I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

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Comments (1)

  1. Another blow to our financial situation left my husband and I feeling anxious and frustrated yesterday. Because of that today’s scripture and your excellent devotion really spoke to me. Thank you, Jake, for your words of wisdom. Hosanna!!

    Judy April 14, 2011 |