Advent
December 16, 2020
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to my servant David:
“I will establish your descendants forever,
and build your throne for all generations.”-Psalm 89:1-4
The translator of the Bible cited below adds titles to the scriptures. The title for the above scripture is God’s Covenant with David. The word covenant is important in the Bible. The word can describe an agreement between people, but the Bible particularly talks about the Covenants between God and people. Most often, these covenants are defined as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges*. In some instances, covenants between specific people and God are cited, for example:
Noah– a divine promise that there would be no other deluge.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob– a promise to multiply their seed, give them the land of Canaan, and make them a blessing to the nations.
Phinehas–a constitution, establishing an everlasting priesthood in his line
Joshua and Israel — an ordinance or constitutional agreement to serve Yahweh only
David– a divine promise to the seed of David of an everlasting kingdom, the relation of sonship
The Psalm above relates to David’s covenant with God and is of particular importance to Christ-followers of the first century and today who see Jesus as the heir of this divine promise. Indeed, it is almost impossible for Christians to read such scriptures and not see Jesus as that Son.
Really good literature that remains relevant over time has the quality of being truth for the day it describes and truth for future readers. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. While people can stray from their commitments to God, God’s unconditional covenants are everlasting.
During this Advent season, during times that try peoples’ souls, God’s eternal goodness and mercy and loving patience with us is something to be celebrated.
Prayer: Praise God for always being with us in good times and troubled times. We continue to celebrate Emmanuel, God with Us. Amen.
* https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1285.htm
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.