Tuesday, December 20: Scripture – Psalm 80: 17-19
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
The content of Psalm 80 is basically a prayer for deliverance. Starting in verse 17, the Psalmist asks God to empower his right-hand lieutenant (the king of Judah) to render saving tactics and prevent Judah’s engulfment into Assyria imperialism. Today, God provides his Son (on his right hand) as the strong advocate for us. His Shepherding provides guidance for today’s church, its ministers, elders, deacons, and teachers. A promise to provide this Shepherding until Christ returns essentially answers the Psalmist’s concerns for divine guidance in our lives today – only when we recognize the Shepherd. If we are willing to accept what the Shepherd provides, then as verse 18 concludes “…give us life, and we will call on your name”, we can be comforted, encouraged, and empowered to respond as God intends. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Prayer: Lord God, as we await your Son’s return, please continue to provide your saints to serve as Shepherds for your children. Holy Spirit, personally visit my heart and enfold me within. Through your grace, I am provided the tools to keep my focus on what is good and true in you. Amen.
Jim Boyd