Thursday Psalms: Come and See!

 

These verses from Psalm 66 are well-chosen for reading during the season of Advent, especially in these earlier days.  This psalm opens with four verses calling us to join with all creation praising God.  This reading ends with seven verses describing the past goodness and blessings God has provided.  Near the middle, verse five is the perfect Advent invitation!

Psalm 66:1-12

¹ Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

² sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!

³ Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!

        So great is Your power that Your enemies come cringing to You.

⁴ All the earth worships You and sings praises to You;

        they sing praises to Your name.”

⁵ Come and see what God has done:

        He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man.

⁶ He turned the sea into dry land;

        they passed through the river on foot.

There did we rejoice in Him, ⁷ who rules by His might forever,

        whose eyes keep watch on the nations - let not the rebellious exalt themselves.

⁸ Bless our God, O peoples;

        let the sound of His praise be heard,

⁹ who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip.

¹⁰ For you, O God, have tested us;

        You have tried us as silver is tried.

¹¹ You brought us into the net;

        You laid a crushing burden on our backs;

¹² You let men ride over our heads;

        we went through fire and through water;

               yet You have brought us out to a place of abundance. 

Come and see what God has done!  This simple phrase summarizes these Advent days, preparing to celebrate the manger-birth of Jesus, Son of God born of Mary, fully human.  This phrase mirrors what the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on that first Christmas night when Jesus was born.  Come and see what God has done!

And what is it that God has done for you?  What awesome deed toward the children of man do we celebrate?  Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem's manger on the first Christmas became your Savior on Calvary's cross.  There Jesus completed His suffering and died for you, taking upon Himself all the punishment you deserve.  You are set free from the guilt & shame of your sins; confess them and they are forgiven!

That is as awesome as anything gets!  Come and see, Jesus has set you free!

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

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Soli Deo Gloria

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!"  Psalm 31:24