Jewish soldier settlers dancing the Hora in Palestine, 1948
Lent Week Five—Saturday
Psalm 144 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Romans 11:25-36 John 12:37-50
This psalm is believed to be written near the time David became recognized as the king over all tribes of Israel and expressed David’s heart for the nation in war and peace. This passage strikes home with us symbolically. As we read it, we are touched by how closely it relates to something we are deeply praying about today. This passage gives us hope and strength as we pray for family and friends who are battling heath issues. A reminder that the Lord is the rock and foundation not just to lean on, but to learn from on how to prepare for battle—a humble reminder that humans are “like a breath” and our “days are like a fleeting shadow.” As David prayed for the lord to come down, show his might, scatter the enemy, shoot his arrows and deliver and rescue them; we pray. We pray to send forth the knowledge to the doctors, to enable healing medicine and to deliver resolution. Although the enemy is different, the prayer is the same . . . deliver them. After the portion of the psalm asking for delivery from war and battle, David expresses his heart for a peaceful blessed nation. Their barns will be full, their sons and daughters will be well-nurtured and like pillars. The flock will increase, the oxen will draw heavy loads. Although there is a significant time difference between David’s prayer and what we have been praying, David’s heart expressed ours’ now too. Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
-Brad and Lynn Massad
The Carpenter's Nail 