“Now answer me, God, because you love me; let me see your great mercy full-face. Don’t look the other way; your servant can’t take it. I’m in trouble. Answer right now! Come close, God; get me out of here. Rescue me from this deathtrap.” (Psalm 69:16-18, The Message)
I had to smile when I read the prescribed scripture assigned to this day. “God… get me out of here. Rescue me from this deathtrap.” Oh dear. What will this day hold that I need these words in front of me? “Deathtrap” paints a picture of hopelessness and resignation. That word alone sends me to prayer wondering what lies ahead and asking God to lead me through this day. Should my smile be better turned to an eye-raising concern?
I suppose by sheer coincidence today is Annual Conference. By 10:00 a.m., the yearly business meeting of the North Carolina Conference will be in full swing. Joining the two in thought – the conference with the text – that’s just silly. Or is it?
The word coincidence is only used once in the Bible, and that time it was spoken by Jesus during the telling of the Good Samaritan story. Actually, the Greek translation of the word synkirian indicates a different understanding than our current use of the word coincidence. The Greek word is made up of two words which translate as “together with” and “supreme in authority.” So a biblical understanding would be that all things are overseen by God’s hand or ordered by God. A coincidence is actually a God incident.
So what do these verses mean for me on this day? Looking back at the whole of the chapter, I know that David has been treated horribly by his enemies and is writing this song to cry out to God for deliverance. “Get me out of this deathtrap” is David’s way of showing complete faith in the love of God. The deathtrap talk isn’t about hopelessness; this is David acknowledging that nothing can overcome God Almighty who is worthy to be praised. Not even persecution or death can win, and David has an unbreakable faith that God will deliver him from all oppression. That’s why he calls out, that’s why he prays, and that’s why his writes his beautiful songs to God.
As for this scripture showing up on Annual Conference day, I cannot think of a better moment in time to pause and call out to God. Today we will face the work of the Church head on. We will have questions, but we will look to God first and cry out: Answer us, God, because you love us! Today we will acknowledge that nothing – pandemics, protests, riots, political unrest, racism, murder, nothing – can overcome God Almighty who is worthy to be praised.
I’m off to face the rest of the day with a happy heart!
Reassured,
Pastor Beth
I had to smile when I read the prescribed scripture assigned to this day. “God… get me out of here. Rescue me from this deathtrap.” Oh dear. What will this day hold that I need these words in front of me? “Deathtrap” paints a picture of hopelessness and resignation. That word alone sends me to prayer wondering what lies ahead and asking God to lead me through this day. Should my smile be better turned to an eye-raising concern?
I suppose by sheer coincidence today is Annual Conference. By 10:00 a.m., the yearly business meeting of the North Carolina Conference will be in full swing. Joining the two in thought – the conference with the text – that’s just silly. Or is it?
The word coincidence is only used once in the Bible, and that time it was spoken by Jesus during the telling of the Good Samaritan story. Actually, the Greek translation of the word synkirian indicates a different understanding than our current use of the word coincidence. The Greek word is made up of two words which translate as “together with” and “supreme in authority.” So a biblical understanding would be that all things are overseen by God’s hand or ordered by God. A coincidence is actually a God incident.
So what do these verses mean for me on this day? Looking back at the whole of the chapter, I know that David has been treated horribly by his enemies and is writing this song to cry out to God for deliverance. “Get me out of this deathtrap” is David’s way of showing complete faith in the love of God. The deathtrap talk isn’t about hopelessness; this is David acknowledging that nothing can overcome God Almighty who is worthy to be praised. Not even persecution or death can win, and David has an unbreakable faith that God will deliver him from all oppression. That’s why he calls out, that’s why he prays, and that’s why his writes his beautiful songs to God.
As for this scripture showing up on Annual Conference day, I cannot think of a better moment in time to pause and call out to God. Today we will face the work of the Church head on. We will have questions, but we will look to God first and cry out: Answer us, God, because you love us! Today we will acknowledge that nothing – pandemics, protests, riots, political unrest, racism, murder, nothing – can overcome God Almighty who is worthy to be praised.
I’m off to face the rest of the day with a happy heart!
Reassured,
Pastor Beth
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