This devotion was originally published March 28, 2018
By Beth Bontrager, administrative assistant, Mennonite Historical Library
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NRSV)
I’ve hit a wall. The wall is today’s political and societal situation. It is built from racial slurs, poverty, unequal wealth distribution, affluence, labels, military spending, “pat” answers, utter insensitivity to those around you.
This wall is high and long. Where can I/we find hope?
The psalmist in 118 confesses that the Lord came down pretty hard on him (v 18.) Whether or not the writer deserved it is irrelevant. The point is that despite this, God “has not given me over to death.”
There is a way out
There is hope.
There are Gates. Open Gates.
In giving praise and thanksgiving to God, the writer reconciles his relationship with God—righteous means right relationship. And God shows the gate where the righteous can enter, are welcomed and are saved.
Can we find gates in society’s walls? Can we make right relationships from those marred by prejudice, fear and despair, class and assumptions?
The wall is so big. It’s overwhelming. If we focus on the big wall, nothing seems possible. But if we focus on possible gates, one person, one situation, one interaction, then you will find the gates and God will open them. And you will shout for joy because “it is marvelous in our eyes.”
A man bends down for a child to tug on his beard. “It IS real!” Relationship established, gate opened, fear vanquished.
“Gracias por visitanos” says the non-Spanish speaking cashier carefully. “Pase buen dia.” “Gracias y igualmente!” responds the surprised and welcomed customer. Relationship established. Gate opened. Exclusion vanquished.
A teen helps a woman unlock her library DVD. Smiles. Gate opened. Indifference vanquished.
Look for God’s gates in society’s walls today. For God is our Salvation—our way to right relationships. And because Jesus is the cornerstone of every gate, walk through Lent in rejoicing.
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
2Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
14The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
15There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
16the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
17I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.
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.