Psalm 80:1-3
"Restore us, O God; let
your face shine, that we may be saved."
(Psalm 80:3)
What does one say when the unthinkable becomes the norm? How does one respond when the value of human life is discharged like the clip of an automatic weapon? Mass shootings have become commonplace in our nation and we seem powerless to stop them. The most recent event in San Bernardino, California, the second on December 2 and 355th of 2015, according to the Washington Post, is but another reminder of the senseless violence that no longer shocks or stirs us. Outrage seems to have been replaced by resignation as more and more Americans buy guns to "protect themselves." USA Today notes that a record 185,000 gun background checks were done this past Black Friday. It would seem that our answer to escalating gun violence is to buy more guns. Heaven help us!
The Psalmist seems to understand that his only hope, and that of his people, is to be found in the salvation of God. "Let your face shine, that we may be saved." Perhaps as we ponder the Savior coming among us during this Advent season, we would do well to embrace the Psalmist's words and those of John from Revelation 22:20, as he says of the Christ, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!"
Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus! Let your face shine, that we may be saved. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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