Psalm 71: 1-14Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. May his foes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. |
Daily ReflectionThis psalm is a prayer for God's blessing on a new king of Israel--that his rule may continue to be an occasion of justice for the poor and needy. Transfers of power are never easy for the rule of any nation, even today with our modern way of life and sophisticated internet communications. We, like the people of Israel, long for rulers who will be agents of the power of God's rule of love, safety, and security in every aspect of life.
Just as the psalmist's community demonstrated its concern for God's people as a new king takes the throne, so Jesus wants to show us the means by which he delivers his kingship to us as the people he loves throughout the whole world today. Our work, our leisure, our relationships--and yes our worship--are all part of God's beautiful fabric of love which has been fully stitched in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. As King, Jesus comes to us, not as one who forces his way into our hearts, but rather as one who embraces us through all the realities of our daily lives. Lord Jesus, as you have embraced us as our King who has come into our lives once again this Christmas, so help us embrace others with your love, grace, and peace. Make us aware that your kingship is not a rule that is forceful or destructive, but a source of life that draws us closer to you through the power and love of your Spirit. Amen. David Walle Hosanna Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minn. Luther Seminary Master of Divinity , 1980 Today's Reflection comes from Luther Seminary alum, David Walle and was originally published on the Luther Seminary website at https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/?devo_date=1/5/2016 |
Seminary Spotlight: Luther Seminary
Luther Seminary offers a number of innovative degree programs focused on equipping students for innovative leadership
Innovative Programs Integrating Faith & Service/Justice:
Justice and Reconciliation concentration in the M.Div. degree and the M.A. academic degree.
This specialization focuses on God’s reforming work of justice and reconciliation in the world today. It explores a range of biblical, theological and ecumenical perspectives in concert with a variety of approaches to justice and reconciliation. This concentration provides opportunities for learning, engaging and taking action both inside and outside the classroom. This study is helpful for students who want to pursue further graduate studies, work in congregations and non-profit organizations or lead efforts in community-related work.
Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry
Given the complexity of today’s local, national and global landscape, cultivating innovative, agile leaders is both urgent and necessary. This degree equips leaders who are interested in helping congregations, non-profit organizations, social services ministries and others innovate and change to be more responsive to the changing needs and real-world opportunities. Leaders in this program develop the capacity to assess complex problems and lead adaptive organizational changes. The learning is practical, connected to a variety of ministry-related organizations and collaborative with a number of partners in the community.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
This Master of Arts degree, which is biblical and theological, prepares students for public leadership in a variety of contexts and roles. This flexible degree, available on campus or online, allows students to concentrate in a particular area of ministry. Or students can take a variety of leadership courses to fit their vocational goals. In addition to classroom learning, this program includes field experiences to help provide on-the-ground leadership development and a capstone ministry project.
Justice and Reconciliation concentration in the M.Div. degree and the M.A. academic degree.
This specialization focuses on God’s reforming work of justice and reconciliation in the world today. It explores a range of biblical, theological and ecumenical perspectives in concert with a variety of approaches to justice and reconciliation. This concentration provides opportunities for learning, engaging and taking action both inside and outside the classroom. This study is helpful for students who want to pursue further graduate studies, work in congregations and non-profit organizations or lead efforts in community-related work.
Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry
Given the complexity of today’s local, national and global landscape, cultivating innovative, agile leaders is both urgent and necessary. This degree equips leaders who are interested in helping congregations, non-profit organizations, social services ministries and others innovate and change to be more responsive to the changing needs and real-world opportunities. Leaders in this program develop the capacity to assess complex problems and lead adaptive organizational changes. The learning is practical, connected to a variety of ministry-related organizations and collaborative with a number of partners in the community.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
This Master of Arts degree, which is biblical and theological, prepares students for public leadership in a variety of contexts and roles. This flexible degree, available on campus or online, allows students to concentrate in a particular area of ministry. Or students can take a variety of leadership courses to fit their vocational goals. In addition to classroom learning, this program includes field experiences to help provide on-the-ground leadership development and a capstone ministry project.