Monday, May 18, 2020

May 18, 2020 – Monday prior to Easter 7




This coming week will be the last Sunday in Easter. Easter 7 serves as a bridge between Christ’s glorious Ascension and Pentecost. We look back to the Ascension or forward to Pentecost.

As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! – Psalm 68:2

Psalm 68:1-10 - This is the Psalm suggested for the last Sunday in Easter. It appears to be an order of service for procession to the temple in Jerusalem. The Lord has brought salvation to Israel; Vv. 1-6 in the Exodus, Vv. 7-10 throughout the wilderness wanderings. Vv.11-14 in conquest of the Promised Land.

Throughout their pilgrimage and sojourn the Lord was directing them. He continues to guide and lead you acting on behalf of His people.

As David reflects on the Lord’s past dealings with His people he reminds us that God has always been marching down the ages of time; progressing in a steady and unswerving stride toward His goal.

No power on earth can stop Him. We tend to stew and fret when things don’t go our way. In actuality God is in control and steering the course of time toward His ultimate fulfillment; the sure and certain return of Christ.

His enemies are like smoke driven by the wind, which in time will totally disappear. What chance does a puff of smoke have of establishing its presence before a driving wind? What chance does wax have of maintaining its shape before the flames of the furnace? What chance does Israel’s foes have before a God who is marching steadily to Zion?  In short, the Lord of the universe has promised to order your days and direct your path.

David praised God for His direction and His protection. As witness God’s hand of direction and protection in your life your response should be to praise Him.

A prayer for guidance in our calling: Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but on that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2]

[1] Lift High the Cross, copyright  Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Guidance in our Calling, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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