Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL:
“Nothing’s going right,” I quietly moan. It’s 12:23 a.m., and the computer screen in front of me flashes, taunting in its robotic hum. “An error has occurred in a third party module”….
That’s all I need to know.
With the exasperated click of a mouse, I dutifully submit – and suddenly, my carefully crafted message has disappeared.
“I hate technology!” I fume to my roommate. This can actually be translated to English as: “I have nothing to show. I have not produced. I am a failure.”
… Is there a little piece of you that can identify with this situation? Ever had days steeped in errors, mistakes, missed opportunities and so many faux pas that you start to look around and wonder where the hidden cameras are?
With busy lives, deadlines, financial stress and obligations, it’s easy to weigh ourselves down in the measuring eyes of the world. Yet when we declare our devotion to God, we are challenged to measure ourselves in a very unique, radical way – through the eyes of our Creator.
If you have not already, please take some time to reflect on the beautifully scripted verse chosen for today.
Here are some words that nudged at the corners of my mind: “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see.”(v. 22-23).
Jesus might be considered a modern-day failure. Rejected by his very own people, he wasn’t exactly the most popular guy in town. Yet he went on to become the cornerstone of Christian faith, the embodiment of God’s love displayed on earth.
What if our own personal “stones” that the world has rejected are actually things that can further God’s kingdom? What if we measured ourselves in the way we use our unique God-given talents, rather than obsessing over petty mistakes? What if we realized that God does not see us with the same eyes that we look at each other with?
May this passage bring you hope in a time of questioning. No matter what challenges and downfalls our day-to-day life brings, God’s faithful love endures forever. Not just today, not even in this lifetime – but for all of eternity.
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
2Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
20This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.
21I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
22The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
28You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.
29O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.