When the LORD brought back the
captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things
for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:1-3)
And Mary said: “My soul
glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Verses
1 and 2 of Psalm 126 acknowledge the stunned joy of the ancient Israelites who were
released from captivity: “…we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled
with laughter.” Later, in verse 3, the psalm shifts to the present tense: “The
LORD has done great things
for us, and we are filled with joy.”
In
Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam shared a point that we can reflect on today: that which happened in the past has a
present abiding significance. And in this present Advent season, we are encouraged
by this truth: God, who has done great things for others, is here to do great
things for us. Ancient Israel saw His mighty hand at work and they celebrated. Mary received His word from an angelic messenger and she celebrated. And we, who have read the stories of those who rejoiced in God,
can ourselves break out into a psalm of joy!
Ancient Israel, your exile will end. Rejoice.
Mary, you will give birth to the Savior. Rejoice.
Reader, God will answer your faithful prayer. Will you rejoice in Him today?
O Lord, our Lord, You
brought deliverance to people in the past, and You are here to bring
deliverance to us now. We wait in anticipation, and we rejoice as we wait, believing
that You will do great things for us.
All
Scripture references from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,
Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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