By Jo-Ann Brant, interim VP for academic affairs, academic dean
Scripture: Psalm 19 (NRSV)
Psalm 19 compares the sun to a bridegroom emerging from his wedding canopy and running gleefully across the sky. In this Lenten devotional series in which we contemplate God’s covenants with humanity, this marital image reminds me that, while our relationship is one of joy, like all marriages, it needs to be worked out. The church is a working relationship. Sometimes it is hard work that tries my patience. I want to explode by proclaiming my logic and my interpretation of God’s word. This psalm helps me recall that a covenant relationship is best maintained through the language of God, the language of patience, the language of listening carefully for unspoken words, the language of love. The commandment of the Lord is clear, “love one another … as I have loved you.” The psalm ends with a petition to God to “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you.” I pray that the meditation of my heart dwell upon the patient task of loving others. I give thanks for the glory of God’s creation for when I pause to contemplate its beauty, God’s wordless voice silences my tongue and fills my heart with love.
Scripture: Psalm 19 (NRSV)
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.