November 25, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10
Psalm 25 is an acrostic with 22 verses, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Luther says it is, “a psalm of prayer in which the righteous pray that God will make them godly, forgive their sins, guard them from sin and shame, and finally deliver them from all enemies and all evil. Along with this the psalm mocks the false, self-centered spirits and teachers.” In the advent season this psalm reminds us to wait for the Lord and we think of the Old Testament people who waited for Jesus’ birth, and of believers today who wait for Jesus to return.
Teaching
Trust and waiting go hand in hand. We trust God to come for us and to rescue us. That means that we wait for Him to come to us in His chosen way and at His proper time. For the people of the Old Testament they waited for Messiah to come. Ever since God promised a savior to Adam and Eve the birth of each boy raised the question: “Is he the one God promised?” So they waited for God to come and save them from sin.
As New Testament people we know that God kept that promise by sending His Son, Jesus, who took on human flesh so that He could pay for the sins of our flesh with His blood. We, also, have been called to trust and wait. Jesus promised that He would return to judge the living and the dead, and that He would take us into the eternal home God has waiting for us. That day has not come yet, but it will. Trust and wait.
Life
Think back to when you were going to be picked up to go somewhere. How would you feel if the person who was driving was late? What if they didn’t tell you exactly when they would be there, but to be patient and know that they would come get you? Would you doubt that they were coming?
Some doubt that Jesus will return. We might begin to wonder if He will return as we go through difficult times or think of the time between Jesus’ Ascension and today. Psalm 25 encourages us to lift up our souls to the Lord, to call on Him in worship, praise, confession, and prayer, and to wait. He will come. 
Prayer
To You, O Lord, we lift up our souls. O God, we trust in You, and it is for You that we wait. You are good and upright. You instruct sinners in the way, lead the humble in what is right, and teach us Your way. All the Your paths are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep Your covenant and testimonies.
Thank You for not letting anyone who trusts in You be put to shame. Thank You for leading us in your truth, teaching us, and for being the God of our salvation. Thank You for remembering Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love.
Remember not the sins we have committed and forget our transgressions, O Lord. According to Your steadfast love forgive our sins for the sake of Christ who shed His blood for us.

Lord, let the wantonly treacherous be ashamed, but lead us in Your truth and teach us to know Your ways all the more deeply. Give us faith to wait for You all the day long, even for all of our lives knowing that none who waits for You will ever be put to shame for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

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