God is With Us.
He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death. Psalm 109:31
My heart goes out to the entire community of Newtown, Connecticut, affected by the ruthless actions of one individual. As we continue to grapple with the questions which far outnumber the answers, let us be unceasing in our prayers for the families who lost loved ones, the responders, the Sandy Hook School and district, the various levels of government officials, churches, pastors and other religious leaders and institutions, and all who are involved in the caring and restoration efforts. The text for today is an expression of confidence in God’s constancy in protecting the weak. This confidence comes at the end of a prayer for help against those who falsely accused and pronounced curses on the one praying. These accusations and curses endangered the petitioner’s life but he expresses confidence in God for salvation. There are many forces at work in our society today that seek to destroy the witness of the Word trough destruction of those who have given their all to Christ. A God who ‘stands at the right hand of the needy’ is going to be a sure presence in these trials facing the Psalmist, even as that presence is a certainty in this nation at a time like this.
My heart goes out to the entire community of Newtown, Connecticut, affected by the ruthless actions of one individual. As we continue to grapple with the questions which far outnumber the answers, let us be unceasing in our prayers for the families who lost loved ones, the responders, the Sandy Hook School and district, the various levels of government officials, churches, pastors and other religious leaders and institutions, and all who are involved in the caring and restoration efforts. The text for today is an expression of confidence in God’s constancy in protecting the weak. This confidence comes at the end of a prayer for help against those who falsely accused and pronounced curses on the one praying. These accusations and curses endangered the petitioner’s life but he expresses confidence in God for salvation. There are many forces at work in our society today that seek to destroy the witness of the Word trough destruction of those who have given their all to Christ. A God who ‘stands at the right hand of the needy’ is going to be a sure presence in these trials facing the Psalmist, even as that presence is a certainty in this nation at a time like this.
Our experience tells us that we can depend on the presence of God in our times of need or trial. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Ps. 46: 1. The course of action has already been set. Evil is on a rampage to thwart GodÂ’s plan. In the end God rises to the defense of the weak and evil finds that its plans have been turned against itself. What a joy and comfort it is for the slandered and persecuted believer to know that evil will not reign forever because God is near to all who are wronged and will work out their salvation. Yes friends, God stands at our right hand during our weakest moments. God defends our lives or gently places us in His presence and forever out of harmÂ’s way. The right hand signifies strength and power. It is the hand for defense. When God stands at our right hand God becomes our strength, power and defense.
As we continue through this Advent season, let us remember that this season is a reminder that God choose to deliver us rather than abandon us in trouble. As we grapple with the sadness of these past days, be reminded that evil seeks to destroy the most vulnerable in our society in opposition to GodÂ’s plan. Advent too has itÂ’s sadness as Herod had ordered all the boy babies to be killed on that first Christmas. There is therefore a sense of double tragedy this year as we anticipate ChristÂ’s coming. This Advent and Christmas let us remember that God stands within communities and with families that are filled with grief, even as God stands at our right hand in our times of need. Jesus remains our Emanuel.
Till next Tuesday, be blessed!
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