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For our Monday devotionals through Advent we are e using a resource called “Our Hope and Expectation: Devotions for Advent and Christmas.” Here is today’s devotional:

2 Samuel 7:8-9, 16

Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name …. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

To ponder

You are moving in the direction of freedom and the function of freedom is to free someone else. - Toni Morrison, Barnard College Commencement Speech 1979.

Lean into liberation
God called David from a seemingly ordinary life into an extraordinary purpose. The prophet Nathan shared God’s expansive vision with David, a vision that David would work for the liberation of the people of Israel - people who had suffered and wandered and wondered about life as they sought the promised land. Liberation would not be just for the time of David’s reign but for generations to come. David’s role was to be faithful and trust the promises of God, who had been steadfast in supporting and protecting David and the people.

What we do, how we live, and who we love will impact future generations. One thing that my faith and stories of my ancestors have taught me is that I am responsible for sharing my gifts and honouring my call in ways that bring others along on this journey of life, liberation, and love. The gifts and experiences I have been given are not simply for me. They are for the collective. We are called as individuals whose gifts are nurtured by the Creator to bear witness to God’s vision of liberation and love.

How is God calling you to use your gifts to bring about liberation for others?

Prayer
Liberating God, we thank you for the freedom found in you. We thank you for the ways that you call us and give us everything we need to serve you and love each other. Amen.


From: “Our Hope and Expectation: Devotions for Advent and Christmas 2020-2021”, Augsburg Fortress 2020, p. 50-51.