Sunday, December 21, 2014

Great Reversals, Great Love

Paul Ackroyd shares that once again, today's devotional in The Upper Room reflected the same themes Rev. Suzanne spoke about in her sermon. He shares the following, hoping that others will also find it thought-provoking.


4th Sunday of Advent

1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. "There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world.
"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail.
The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed."

[The Lord] seats [the poor] with princes and has them inherit
a throne of honor.
- 1 Samuel 2:8 (NIV)


     Three songs that are recorded in the Bible tell of God’s great reversal. Hannah rejoiced, liberated from her barrenness. Moses and Miriam led the singing when the Israelites escaped from Egypt (Exod. 15:20-21). Mary, the mother of Jesus, celebrated the deliverance her son would bring (Luke 1:46-55).
     From these songs, we can learn much about God’s nature and will for us. Hannah sang about God’s exalting the poor, whom we regard as helpless and unworthy of honor. We find new purpose as we learn to value people who are not considered important.
     Moses saw the great reversal in the way the Lord leads with love (Exod. 15:13). No longer was power found in brute strength, but in the love of God. We find new purpose in discovering that no good comes from violence and retaliation, but only from love.
     Mary described the great reversal in terms of God’s mercy (Luke 1: 50). God exalts the lowly, who recognize their need for God. Our purpose does not depend on our own power, but on the strength of a love that comes from the Lord and in community with one another.

Thought for the Day
What is the theme of my song of praise to God today?

Prayer
Dear Lord, attune our lives to your great reversal, established in your grace and justice. Amen.

Prayer focus:  Female clergy

The Author

Eleanor Shepherd (Quebec, Canada)

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