Eastertide
April 20, 2022
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 118:14-29
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief 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.
Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord. –Psalm 118:21-26
The poet of the above scripture is possibly being very literal about being saved. His life may have been spared in a battle that was won by his people. The scenes of Ukraine are seared in our minds. I cannot imagine either the terror of the bombings or climbing from a hiding place and realizing the pain of losing a loved one or experiencing the joy that you and your family have survived the latest airstrike. I do believe that as Jesus said it rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45), but it does not lessen the pain of loss or joy when calamity had not won the day. What it does say is, do not give up on the Lord in any situation. When horrendous things happen to God’s people, God is present with them as they mourn the dead and take care of the injured or celebrate the joy in simply surviving.
Yesterday was the 27th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, and ceremonies were conducted in memory of those lost and injured and in thanksgiving of those who rescued and helped in the recovery. The Oklahoma City Memorial Garden is a beautiful site of remembrance. Since 1995 downtown Oklahoma City has blossomed into a vibrant center city. I pray for a similar outcome for Ukraine and for all the nations caught in the forces of greed and lust for power that place their faith in violence. May they discover or rediscover the blessing received in serving the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your constant presence in the good times and the bad. Thank you for answering prayers. Amen.
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.