godless oppressors

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0420Psalm 14

The fools that David has in mind in particular are the godless oppressors of Israel.  They do what they want to do, and don’t think anyone can stop them.  They “eat up” God’s people (4).  But there is hope.   David calls on God to restore the fortunes of his people (7).  The godless oppressors will have to answer – not only for their atheism, but also for their violence and greed. 

LORD, as David did, we call upon you to right the wrongs, and to restore the fortunes that the godless oppressors have devoured.

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when God shows up

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04191 Chronicles 15:1-16:3

Getting it right took a great deal of cooperation and attention to detail, but David was determined to correct his former mistake.  The ark of the covenant belonged in Jerusalem.  Following the rules meant bringing the ark into the city with worship, rejoicing, and just lots of noise.  It was not to be a mundane logistics task, but part of a celebration.  David even distributed a meal to all Israel – another reason to remember the day – not because it was a solemn observance, but because it was a celebration.  This is what it is like when the presence of God manifests.

LORD, make our lives acts of worship appropriate for your presence.

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I will sing

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0418Psalm 13

There are some days you just don’t feel like rejoicing or singing.  There are some days – and today may be one of them for you – when you come to the end of the day and lament “how long, O Lord.”  David’s experience was like that.  He had some “victory over Goliath” days, but he had lots of “how long o Lord” days.  On those days he did not put on a show and pretend that everything was glorious.  He just promised himself that his down day was not going to destroy his hope.  He gave a rain check on singing and rejoicing (5-6).  He knew that God was not going to let him down. 

LORD, if I don’t feel victorious today, that’s OK.  There’s always tomorrow.

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God’s will and his way

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04171 Chronicles 14

In each of the battles described in this chapter, the Philistines made a raid in the valley, and David responded by first praying for God’s will.  In each case, God’s will was the same, but the means of obeying it was different.  Often when we come to the LORD seeking his will, we do not stay on our knees long enough to discover his way – the means of obeying his will.  It takes faith to trust God not only for a “yes” or “no”answer, but for the details. 

LORD, give us faith to trust you for the details.

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guard us from this generation

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0416Psalm 12

This community lament is the result of a people who look for leaders they can trust, and discover that they have disappeared.  The people are forced to pray to God for protection, not just from foreign enemies, but also from their own countrymen.  God’s words are true, and he will keep them.  But no one else’s words can be trusted.

LORD, guard us from this generation of corrupt liars who use their power and prominence for their own gain.  We put ourselves in your hands.

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good ideas

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04151 Chronicles 13

Transporting the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem was a good ide, but even good ideas can go wrong.  The presence of God was symbolized by the ark.  The punishment of Uzzah was God’s way of saying that his presence was not to be trifled with.  This year we might come up with a number of ostensibly good ideas.  We just need to be careful that we do not assume that God will protect us from the consequences of good ideas carried out in a careless manner.

LORD, give us the wisdom to be serious about the things we do in your name.

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the eyelid test

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0415Psalm 11

David recalls times of danger, when he is warned to run to safety.  But he does not run.  He knows where his God is.  He knows what the LORD is up to.  God is testing him.  Even though the LORD sees David at all times, he makes it appear as if he is shutting his eyelids for a moment.  The danger is real, and God is making it necessary for David to trust him.  We all experience times like that – when the foundations are destroyed – and we have to trust that the building will stand anyway.

LORD, we trust in you. We will not run from you when danger comes.  We will run to you.

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God helps those…

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04141 Chronicles 12

This chapter shows the strong support David received from the tribes of Israel after it became clear that he was God’s choice for king.  Thousands came to him, even from Benjamin – Saul’s tribe.  It was obvious that he was the focal point of the future of Israel.  Those who helped him would be helped by the LORD.  The mighty men who took up the sword in the name of David were ensuring a secure future for their families.  There were no guarantees that they – personally – would survive the wars with God’s enemies.  There was only faith that the LORD and his people would survive, and accomplish God’s will. 

LORD, give us the courage to do the right thing, even if we personally do not benefit from it.

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the hidden God

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0413Psalm 10

This psalm explores the mystery of the hidden God.  We often ask God why he hides himself when bad things happen.  The psalmist has his finger on the pulse of this question.  Answer? The LORD sees (14) and hears (17). 

LORD, give us wisdom to know that you see and hear, and that you will bring justice in your timing.

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heroes

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04121 Chronicles 11

The chronicler details the support of David as he begins his reign in Jerusalem, highlighting the exploits of the mighty men.  Heroes in their own right, these men put themselves at David’s disposal, confirming his right to lead the nation.  Their support was a reminder to the people that God was behind David, and the people of God should be too.

LORD, thank you for the heroes that support what you are doing in the world.  Bless them and keep them safe, even as they keep us safe.

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