Good day dear friends. Please remember Pat Dentino in prayer as she undergoes surgery here in SM at the CTMC. Also, Bonnie Blayney of San Antonio undergoing cataract surgery today; may the Lord give her patience as she won't be able to read for a few weeks (no Internet!!). Also, Walker Neighbert may be released from Children's Hospital today. He still faces about four weeks of antibiotic treatment at home. Ryan Tyler Lewis was also mentioned yesterday as having to be taken to the hospital in SA with pneumonia and asthma. It was also his mom's (Tara) birthday.
We continue our Advent Study of "What the World Nees Now is Jesus." Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Let’s visit Psalm 9:9. What do we find there concerning the oppressed? What is God’s interest in caring for the oppressed? There are some 42 verses of God’s concern for the oppressed throughout the Bible. The “Preacher” who we call the author of Ecclessiastes writes in 4:1, words about the oppressed. Who would you consider the oppressed today? Have you personally been oppressed? How were you delivered? What role do you see God playing in delivering the oppressed? How can you share that message with others.
Here are the two passages mentioned above:
Psalm 9:9: The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Eccl 4:1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed--with no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power--with no one to comfort them.
I consider oppression one of the greatest sins humans can sin. Yesterday while reading and reflecting that thought occurred to me. We face an endless debate of this sin or that sin and we worry about which sin will cause a schism in our denomination, etc., but in very real ways, we're divided by systems in place that cause the oppression of some by others. We could also debate this without end, but let me just say, God holds a special place in His heart for the oppressed. As the Psalmist said, God "is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Nellie, Caty, and I toured the Alhambra, a Moorish stronghold in Granada, Espana. During the peak days of the tourist season one can wait hours until you get inside. During the cold days of November the wait was about five minutes to purchase the tickets and walk the grounds of this amazing structure. It overlooks the city of Granada with some incredible views. It also peers out toward the Sierra Nevada, which were beautifully capped with snow when we were there. And for many years, this stronghold protected those inside. The location provided a view to see who might be coming against them. The walls provided the resistance against invading forces. And one could understand why for so long this stronghold was considered inpenetrable. The day came when the Spanish overcame it. But unlike those strongholds made by human hands, God's stronghold can never be overcome. And for those facing oppression no better place to seek comfort and hope than in the presence of God.
You and I have been oppressed in some ways and we've seen deliverance. There are those who don't yet share our hope and our call is to share that hope with them. Our message is God's message: God can set us free! God can see us through!
PRAYER: God of love and hope, thank you for being the God of the oppressed. Thank you for delivering us from those times we've either felt or truly have been oppressed. Help us to help those still in that place. Let the message of promise come to life today. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
