Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey - Palm Sunday

posted on April 05

Palm Sunday                    Sunday, April 10
 
The Sundays of Lent are not considered in the count of the season’s 40 days. Sundays are for celebrating the resurrection on each phase of life’s journey. During Lent we have several “Little Easters” to refresh us along our way. Today we read the Psalm for Palm Sunday.
 
Our Times are in God’s Hand
 
Read: Psalm 31:9-16
 
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
    my eye wastes away from grief,
    my soul and body also.
¹⁰ For my life is spent with sorrow,
    and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
    and my bones waste away.
¹¹ I am the scorn of all my adversaries,
    a horror to my neighbors,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
    those who see me in the street flee from me.
¹² I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
    I have become like a broken vessel.
¹³ For I hear the whispering of many—
    terror all around!—
as they scheme together against me,
    as they plot to take my life.
¹⁴ But I trust in you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
¹⁵ My times are in your hand;
    deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
¹⁶ Let your face shine upon your servant;
    save me in your steadfast love.
 
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: “My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.” (Psalm 31:15)
 
Reflection: Today is Palm Sunday. I have often preached that it is the most “bittersweet” day of the year. Jesus is coming into Jerusalem for the last time, ending his own wilderness ministry in the far-flung cities of ancient Palestine. It is a triumphant parade, with shouts of Hosanna, but many are already “scheming together” (v.13) to take his life. Today’s lectionary Psalm echoes the pain and the hope of Jesus himself on this fateful day. He trusts that his times are indeed in God’s hand. Do you feel that your times are also in God’s hand? What does that look like day to day?   
 
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, this Psalm expresses both distress and trust. In 16 verses, it tells the story of faithful dependence upon God. Jesus was obedient in his own times of trial. May we also be obedient. May we trust that our times are indeed in your hand, and may your face shine upon us all. Amen. 

Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
 
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist