Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast

God is Holding Your Life: These Lives are Precious

January 03, 2021 Pastor John
Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast
God is Holding Your Life: These Lives are Precious
Show Notes

Sermon preached on 2021-01-03 by Rev. John Conway. Worship series, "God is Holding Your Life." Sermon, "These Lives are Precious.” Scripture, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14.

We do not live in a land ruled by Kings, as the hearers of our first Psalm of this series did. Nevertheless, the petitions of the psalmist for justice, deliverance, defense of the poor and oppressed, and peace for all peoples is an undergirding theme of our faith. We are reminded that a just society is one that proclaims “these lives are precious” and worthy of protection. God, indeed, is holding our lives. Let this be our “epiphany” in this new year. 

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 
Lukan Psalter translation

O God, give your anointed one your judgment—
and your justice. 
Teach your chosen one to govern your people rightly
and bring justice to the oppressed. 

The mountains will bring the people peace
and the little hills bring justice! 
Your anointed will defend the oppressed 
among the people,
save the children of the poor,
   and crush the oppressor. 
The reign of your anointed will endure
as long as the sun and moon—
   throughout all generations. 

The rule of the chosen one will be
like rain coming down on the meadow,
   like showers watering the earth. 
Justice will flower through the days,
   and abundance of peace ’til the moon 
shall be no more.

Tarshish and the Isles will offer gifts;
   Arabia and Sheba will bring tribute. 
All rulers will pay homage,
   and all the nations will serve your anointed. 

Your anointed will rescue the poor 
when they cry out,
and the oppressed when there is no 
one to help them. 

Your chosen one will take pity on the lowly 
and the poor,
   and will save their lives.

Your chosen one
will rescue them all from violence 
and oppression,
   and will treat their blood as precious.

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