December 4, 2022

Advent Devotional December 4, 2022

Scripture

Psalm 110

1 The Lord says to my lord,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.”

2 The Lord sends out from Zion
    your mighty scepter.
    Rule in the midst of your foes.
3 Your people will offer themselves willingly
    on the day you lead your forces
    on the holy mountains.
From the womb of the morning,
    like dew, your youth will come to you.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,
    “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord is at your right hand;
    he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations,
    filling them with corpses;
he will shatter heads
    over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the stream by the path;
    therefore he will lift up his head.

Devotional

The Rev. Carolyn Cranston ’99, Director of Alumnae/i and Church Relations

As I read this psalm several times, the words of “I Love to Tell the Story” by Ian Eskelin keep ringing in my head. Beginning with the words, “The Lord says to my lord,” God tells us the story of the Messiah, revealing Jesus the Christ to us. We find the prophetic voice of Psalm 110, more than any other ancient Scripture, alluded to or quoted in the New Testament. Even Jesus quotes this passage when he is discussing who the Messiah is with the Pharisees in Matthew 22:41-46. God’s promises assure us that Jesus, the Messiah, is exalted and sits at God’s right hand. Christ will have the ultimate victory over his enemies; all power and authority belong to him. He is a priest from the line of Melchizedek, a priest of peace, not descended from Aaron. Jesus, the Messiah as priest, prays for us without ceasing. Regardless of the burden we are carrying, the grace, love, and prayers of Jesus cover us. We are able to hold fast to our hope in the midst of any challenge to our faith. What an amazing reality. As his people, we have a responsibility to willingly serve Jesus and proclaim the message of the Gospel to everyone. As we prepare for Advent and the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let us remember that Christ will come again. Make your heart ready.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the grace, love, and prayers that you pour over us, for you alone quench our hunger and thirst. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit may we be faithful to your calling, living as true disciples of Jesus. It is in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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