Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“[The Lord] redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, January 5, 2020
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
The term “the pit” is frequently used in the Old Testament. It’s actually a reference to sheol, which was the understood concept of the afterlife for ancient Jews. Sheol was not “heaven.” Instead, it was a place where all people—sinners and righteous alike—went after they died. It was described as a shadowy place where people dwelt as shades or dark spirits.
Not exactly comforting when you think about.
But it’s also a rationale to understand the language a bit better in the Old Testament. What’s more, it stresses all the more that this life should not be wasted, but that people should engage with each other and worship God in what they have for the moment.
Good news? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But our hope in Jesus reframes the request in today’s psalm for the daily readings for the Narrative Lectionary. Our God is the God of light.
The One who saves us from the pit. What are your thoughts?
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