Advent Day 2: The Mercy Seat

Psalm 72: 12-14, 17-19

12For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

13He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death.

14He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

for precious is their blood in his sight.

17May his name endure forever;

may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,

and they will call him blessed.

18Praise be to the LordGod, the God of Israel,

who alone does marvelous deeds.

19Praise be to his glorious name forever;

may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and Amen.

Here we are presented with a King who is merciful in the midst of violence and death.  The Psalmist tells us that his people’s blood is precious in his sight.  If something is precious to you, you don’t just leave it in harms way; you try to provide it all the protection that you can.

A leader who believes his people are precious will do all that he can to ensure the safety of his subjects.  But in the end, even the most benevolent king can only protect those who allow themselves to be rescued and protected.  

How often do we as God’s people run from the one who can save us?  Do we leave our God and King as our last resort in times of trouble? God wants to help us.  He wants to give us hope in uncertain times.  And when we allow ourselves to be rescued, we will find our hearts and minds in a state of praise for God’s goodness and glory.

Our ultimate rescue is from ourselves. From our sin and condemnation.  God made a way for this rescue from sin and condemnation through His son, Jesus Christ and his life and death on the cross. Cry out to God today.  He will take pity on us in our affliction and neediness and restore us to wholeness and lives of hope and praise.

Prayer: Loving King, allow us today to place ourselves at your throne, your mercy seat.  Thank you for making a way for us to be restored to you in Jesus.  Let us live lives of praise for your goodness and mercy during this season of advent.   Amen

-Rebecca Lindhout