April 10th, 2024

Today is April 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 118.

 
The Lord is my strength and my defense[a]; 
    he has become my salvation. 
Shouts of joy and victory 
    resound in the tents of the righteous: 
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 
The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; 
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” 
I will not die but live, 
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done. 
The Lord has chastened me severely, 
    but he has not given me over to death. 
Open for me the gates of the righteous; 
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 
This is the gate of the Lord 
    through which the righteous may enter. 
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; 
    you have become my salvation. 
The stone the builders rejected 
    has become the cornerstone; 
the Lord has done this, 
    and it is marvelous in our eyes. 
The Lord has done it this very day; 
    let us rejoice today and be glad. 

 
Psalm 118 is the final piece of the liturgy of Passover, which celebrated Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Eqypt. The Psalmist is exuberant, singing songs of God’s strength, and of all the marvelous things God has done. He is also confident in God’s power, and His ability to save. How are you feeling about the reality of who God is today?  
   
 Consider what ‘the stone the builders rejected’ means. New Testament author Peter refered to Jesus as the living stone: ‘as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men... but in the sight of God, chosen and precious...’ That is such a kingdom paradox: That the material that the world rejects, God chooses, and calls chosen... and precious. As you hear the scripture read again, consider how that truth might draw you, like the psalmist, to exuberances, and confidence in the character of God. 

Let us rejoice today and be glad! Can you take time today to practice ‘being glad’? Can you take time right now, as we end, to drop someone a text, or a note, or even a call... and speak a work of thanksgiving or gratitude to them? As we end our time of prayer, enter into the rest of your day with the intention of practicing, and demonstrating, the fruit of the spirit of joy.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: Giver of Life - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)