Weekly Devotional – Week of Monday, November 2, 2020
Weekly Devotional – Long Live Our King, November 2, 2020 from Church of Our Savior on Vimeo.
Opening Prayer (from the Book of Common Prayer, Occasional Collects)
Almighty God, you alone gave us the breath of life, and you alone can keep alive in us the holy desires you impart. We beseech you, for your compassion’s sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavors, that we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of our mind enlightened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted as your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Bible Reading – Psalm 24 (taken from the Daily Lectionary for November 8th)
1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! (English Standard Version)
Devotional – Long Live Our King
In movies and in literature we often hear the idiom proclaimed, “Long Live the King” when one monarch dies and another takes their place. Allegedly, this idiom was first used in France upon the death of Charles VII in 1461. After that it is recorded in many transfers of power in the age of Monarchy. Today we no longer use it of Kingship, but rather apply it to other bastions of power, such as chief executives, political leaders, and the like.
On the eve of the 2020 election Psalm 24 stands as powerful reminder to all followers of Jesus Christ that our King lives, but does not reside in any palace or house of white. Our King is the King of glory, the Lord of host, strong and mighty in battle. In verse one the Psalmist reminds us, “1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
This is an important reminder for all of us as we stand on the eve of the 2020 election. This is an important election for sure with many critical issues to be decided. But let us all heed the warning of misplaced adoration and praise. Many believe that if their candidate is elected then all will be right in the world. As a result, on Wednesday morning (if by the grace of God, we have an election decision that soon) some of us will be rejoicing, while others will be sitting in despair about the uncertainty of our future as a country. Either way our hope and assurance are proved misplaced.
No matter the results of this week’s election our King continues to live and reign supreme over the earth and all its inhabitance. Our King is sovereign over the affairs of humanity and His justice and righteousness will prevail. His glory will continue to shine in this world through His faithful servants, the majesty of His creation, and the righteousness of His deeds. Political leaders will come and go, but our God reigns forever and ever.
This week declare in your hearts and minds, “Long Live Our King”. Seek Him in prayer for the wellbeing of our country and trust in His righteousness alone for your salvation. Do your part, if you have not already, to vote in such a way that brings honor to our King and promotes His glory in our nation, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!”
Closing Prayer (from the Book of Common Prayer, Occasional Prayers)
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve our country. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this nation. This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.