April 15, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Holding A Season Ticket!

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Opening Prayer

Holy God, today—wherever I am—may I grasp each moment and do only Your will, desiring nothing more than to glorify You.

Read Psalm 119:73-96

For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.

[73]י Yodh Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. [74] May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. [75] I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. [76] May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. [77] Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. [78] May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. [79] May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. [80] May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. [81]כ Kaph My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. [82] My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” [83] Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. [84] How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? [85] The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. [86] All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. [87] They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. [88] Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. [89]ל Lamedh Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. [90] Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. [91] Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. [92] If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. [93] I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. [94] Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. [95] The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. [96] To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect

“Christianity is not just a ‘ticket to heaven,’ but a way of life that starts now and transcends death” (Keith Miller).

Most Ethiopians among whom I work seem obsessed with soccer. They are very enthusiastic but, for obvious reasons, their support for their favorite team is at a distance. Most could never afford to attend even one game, let alone get a season ticket. It costs a lot in both money and time to be a season ticket-holder. Such people are committed. They love their team and their membership affects their whole life. They feel devastated when their team does not do well, and overjoyed when it does.

Malachi spoke of what it means to belong to God’s family, to be part of God’s covenant, to hold a season ticket in God’s community, as it were. This part of Psalm 119 could be seen as presenting the same concept. Read the section through a couple of times and see if you can identify some of the connections. It speaks of trying to find out everything one possibly can about God’s words. It speaks of a real love for God and his team and a joy in belonging. It speaks of longing for victory and hating the thought of defeat. It speaks of being willing to do everything possible to ensure that the relationship continues. The interests of God are paramount; he is constantly praised and there is also a strong trust that God will always do well and will provide for his people. Of course, as v. 96 reminds us, the image is limited. But reading these verses again reminded me of just how all-encompassing a living faith is, and challenged me about whether my commitment to follow my Lord was at least as strong as the commitment of some soccer team supporters.

Apply

Reflect on this from John Ortberg: “The object of life is to be rich towards God.” Read again today’s passage and list the ways that will help you be “rich towards God.”

Closing prayer

Lord, help me to love You and Your Word with passion and commitment and to live as if trust in and obedience to You are more important than anything.

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