Psalm 89:6, 14-16, 18, Antiphon, Zechariah 9:9b – Behold
your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation. These words were fulfilled by Jesus when He entered
Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. They hailed Him then but later rejected
Him. How would Jesus fare if He were to enter our city today? Christ is always coming to us whether we
recognize Him or not. In which ways does He come to us? Hint: It all starts
with the word “W” – Word, Wafer, Wine,
and Water. Prepare for Him now while
there is still time. There will come a time when time shall be no more.
While many may seem rushed during this particular time
of the year, we will celebrated Thanksgiving this week spend some time with
your Lord in devotion and prayer. Consider the many blessings He has given you
as we begin to prepare for His coming as the promised Savior and Redeemer of
the world.
The title of this psalm is A Contemplation of Ethan
the Ezrahite. There are several men named Ethan in the Hebrew Scriptures, but
this man is mentioned specifically in 1 Kings 4:31 as someone who was famous
for his wisdom – yet surpassed by Solomon’s greater wisdom. This means he was
likely a contemporary of Solomon and was also alive during the reign of David.
“Ethan is probably identical with Jeduthun, who
founded one of the three choirs (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:19; 2 Chronicles 5:12).
Ethan shared with Heman a reputation for wisdom.” (Derek Kidner)
They enjoy the favor and fellowship of God’s face: They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your
countenance.
· They rejoice
all day long in the name – the
character and nature – of the incomparable God.
· They find their strength in God, especially in His favor: You are the glory of their strength.
· They enjoy God’s protection: Our shield belongs to the LORD.[2]
The theme for the first Sunday of the Church year,
Advent 1, falls under the theme, “The
return of Christ.” In the Old Testament
lesson (Jeremiah 33:14-16) we learn
that God will send a Messiah to execute justice and righteousness on the earth.
In the Epistle, (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
St. Paul reminds us to prepare for Christ’s return by being blameless in
holiness. In the Gospel lesson, (Luke
21:25-36) we are told to watch and pray as preparation for the sudden
return of Christ.
Collect for Psalm 89: Mighty God, in fulfillment of the promise made to David’s descendents you established a lasting covenant through your firstborn Son. You anointed your servant Jesus with holy oil and raise him higher than all kings on earth. Remember your covenant, so that we who are signed with the blood of your Son may sin of your mercies forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [3] -22 November 2021
[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3] Collect for Psalm 89, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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