July 29, 2021
Scripture: Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. Psalm 68:5-6 ESV
Observation: Such comforting words declare the compassion and care of our heavenly Father. For King David, this song of praise is not merely wishful thinking. It was his reality. He witnessed God’s protection when on the run from Saul and Absalom. And he followed God’s direction in reaching out to the widowed Abigail (taking her as his wife) and to Saul’s disabled and isolated grandson, Mephibosheth (granting him a permanent place at the king’s table).
Takeaway: David could only foreshadow the incarnate fulfillment of God’s perfect compassion and care. In Christ, we who were orphaned by sin have been set free and adopted into the Father’s family. And we who are in Christ have received his Holy Spirit who has settled us into his kingdom and is helping us prosper in our faith journeys. But godly prosperity is not about “naming and claiming” or about “health and wealth.” We prosper in his truth and grace no matter our life circumstances. And we seek the prosperity of others as well.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for reaching out to us through your Son and setting us free from sin, and for giving us your Holy Spirit who has settled us into your kingdom and is helping us to prosper in paying it forward to the frightened orphans, to the grieving widows, to the despairing isolated, and the hopeless captives. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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