Today’s “Readings:
Psalm 126
Habakkuk 3:13-19
Matthew 21:28-32
“When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, It was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us” What joy” Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” (Psalm `126:1-6 NLT)
Psalm 126 which celebrates the return of Israel’s exile (vv. 1-3) is one of the ascent group of psalms, and in it, the psalmist prayed for full restoration (vv. 4-6). The psalm was a reminder to the people that God is as reliable as the strong mountains that surround Jerusalem and that their sorrow would soon come to an end.
Just as He brought the children of Israel out of captivity in Egypt (Ps. 114:1), the Lord brought out his people from exile and restored them. The restoration so amazed the people because it turned their weeping into laughter, showing the nature of God to the nations (9:11; 64:9; Isa. 12:4). The prophets had prophesied about the restoration, likened it to the time when the wilderness would change into the garden of Eden. That is the reality fell short of paradise.
God does great things. His power not only releases us from captivity resulting from our sin, it restores us back to God’s loving arm. God’s ability to restore life surpasses our human understanding. Great things of God are also seen in inanimate things like forests that burn down and are able to grow with fresh leaves again. Broken bones heal. To the extent that wounds, the pain of grief are not a permanent condition. In this vein, our tears can be seeds that will grow into a harvest of joy, in that God is able to bring good out of tragedy, out of evil deeds.
When we are burdened with sorrow, we should understand that the event that caused the sorrow has an expiry date. Sooner or later, it will come to an end and our joy will be returned. When we wait for God’s timing, we must be patient, because God’s great harvest is on the way.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
I will praise thee with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth; for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Who knows the power of Your anger? even according to Your fear, so is Your wrath. So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Lord, I surrender the totality of my life to You, use me to the glory of Your holy name, in Jesus' name.
Create in me a clean heart O God, renew a right, teachable and humble spirit within me, in Jesus' name.
Father, deliver me from the hand of my enemies, that I might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of my life, in Jesus' name.
Father, visit ailing Christian marriages and homes with Your love, mercy, and healing power and transform lives, in Jesus' name.
Father, we surrender our children, youths and young adults to your fatherly care, watch over them, and keep them as the apple of Your eye, in Jesus' name.
Our God and Father, unite the body of Christ with Your love, grant that they purposefully with one accord, unite to proclaim the Gospel of truth, in Jesus' name.
Father, visit the hurting people of the world with your love, send help, send provision, soothe pains, heal wounds, comfort those who are distressed, and give shelter to the homeless, in Jesus' name.
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