Some days have been kinda boring. Some days I enjoy scripture. Some days I just read to get it done.
Today was a “check the box” kind of start. The verses that I read were all about preparing for Christmas-getting ready for day 25. I’ve got some sick friends and family right now that aren’t worried about day 25. They are trying to make it through Day 9. I felt like this whole thing was missing something.
Honestly, that’s one of the reasons I struggle with cultural things mixing in with the Great Commission. I love a good “Hanging of the Greens” event, but getting it tied up with following Jesus can distract from the urgent mission of the Gospel. There’s nothing to balance here. One outweighs the other by a longshot. We are not getting ready for Jesus to come as a baby in a manger. He already came, and when he came, he did something epic that really matters.
So, as an act of rebellion to these pretty devotional books I bought, I wrote Psalm 118:24 on the Day 10 notes for my girls:
“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
I wrote it…then I felt lazy bc I didn’t really want to go double check the context of the scripture. Like when people use Jeremiah 29:11 as a blanket promise to any person in any situation. Sure, God has plans for prosperity and hope, but in Jeremiah 11:SEVENTEEN, he’s got plans for “sending on them sword, famine, and pestilence,” and making them “like vile figs that are so rotten they cannot be eaten.” Awkward. (Ignore my rebellious attitude about traditions and misused scripture- or don’t. 😉 I really do love all things Christmas- I promise.)
So, here’s the context:
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
What a beautiful picture of the Gospel to share with my kids and to focus my attention. I, like the psalmist, have found stability and support in the very thing that I rejected. He saved me in spite of me.
God, thank you for the work you do on earth and in Heaven. I don’t deserve it. Your work in my heart has made me ready for TODAY. Ready for Covid. Ready for recovery. Ready to pray. Ready for cancelled celebrations. Ready for isolation. Ready for peace. Ready for freedom from fear. It’s hard to comprehend, but thank you.
amber sugg 