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The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice (Psalm 97:1).
Read Psalm 97
‘The world is going to hell in a handbasket’ is an excellent idiom that describes the feeling that things in our world are out of control. It’s a strange phrase. A handbasket, a simple and mundane object, juxtaposed with the serious notion of hell, adds a layer of irony and emphasises how easily our world seems to slip into chaos.
Psalm 97 is part of a collection (Psalm 96 to 99) that reflects a major theme in this section of the Book of Psalms: no matter the chaos that seems to be going on in our world, we can trust that God reigns over all.
The imagery in Psalm 97 is striking. We have the divine presence of Almighty God hidden in the thick darkness of the Shekinah cloud, fire reminiscent of the pillar of fire of the Exodus, and the dramatic imagery of the mountains melting like wax before the Lord of all the earth. These vivid pictures speak of God’s unmatched power and majesty. Yet, amid this awe-inspiring description, we also find reassurance: ‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne’ (Psalm 97:2b). God’s rule is not cruel or arbitrary. It is built on what is right and fair.
In a world where injustice and uncertainty often dominate the headlines, Psalm 97 realigns our focus. The chaos around us doesn’t change who God is. He is still in charge. He is still just. He is still worthy of our praise.
And we find solace and encouragement in verse 11: ‘Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.’ Even in the darkest of times, Almighty God shines light and joy into the lives of those who trust him. His sovereignty doesn’t just command awe; it provides peace, purpose and hope.
God of peace, who brings light to the universe, shine your light into our chaos. Bring help to those facing injustice. Give us your peace, purpose and hope in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
Our true superpower
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But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9a).
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Now we come to the ultimate superpower Paul reveals as he engages the super-apostles at Corinth. But it’s not authority given by the extraordinary experience of being temporarily ‘caught up into Paradise’ of verses one to four (which many regard as Paul self-referencing his own conversion experience). No, it is far more unexpected than that amazing experience. It’s not supernatural insight, powers of miraculous healing or signs of great power. Paul’s superpower is – wait for it! – weakness! His prickly thorn in the flesh (verses seven to nine).
What? No! It can’t be – but it is. Paul, this most faithful servant of Christ, was not spared from suffering. Instead, God used that suffering to reveal a deeper truth: his strength shines brightest when we are at our weakest. We often think our usefulness to God depends on our strength, success, abilities or gifts. But Paul’s life tells a different story: God works most powerfully when we are broken, letting go of our need to be strong and allowing his grace to sustain us.
Instead of resenting brokenness, Paul embraces it: ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me’ (2 Corinthians 12:9b). My sisters and brothers, this is our superpower. God’s strength in our brokenness.
So we don’t need to pretend we have it all together. In fact, I’d argue based on this that one of the most powerful things we can do in this lifetime is to let down our guard and share our vulnerabilities with those God brings into our lives. For when we are weak, then we are strong.
Loving Father, thank you for the gift of your grace. Help us not hide our weaknesses but bring them to you, trusting that your power is made perfect in them. Teach us to rely not on our strength but on yours, for you are our true superpower. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).
Read Luke 24:44–53
When I was 14 and in high school, I knew my vision wasn’t very clear. For years, I couldn’t read the whiteboard in class, and peering forward while squinting hard in the front row to try and make out the letters was giving me headaches. Mum took me to the optometrist, and yes, I needed glasses for distance vision. A week later, we picked up my glasses. While driving home to our farm, I was simply overcome: ‘Mum, I can see trees at the top of that hill! Mum, I can see sheep in that paddock! Mum, I can see! I can see!’
The risen Lord Jesus is standing before his disciples, not only as their resurrected friend and teacher, but also as the fulfilment of everything written in the law, the prophets and the psalms. It’s a profound moment. Jesus doesn’t simply show them his hands and feet. He opens their minds, enabling them to truly understand the Scriptures about his coming, life, death and resurrection.
I imagine the experience was like me suddenly seeing the world clearly for the first time – overpowering, profound joy. A massive ‘ah ha’ moment. Is it any wonder that verses like Psalm 110:1 from yesterday are quoted throughout the New Testament record? The apostles finally saw things clearly!
Jesus goes on to explain that his suffering, death and resurrection were not tragic accidents but part of a divine plan. And with this revelation, he gives his followers a mission: preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations. He doesn’t leave them to do this alone. He promises ‘power from on high’ to equip and embolden them to be his witnesses.
Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand your word. Fill us with your Spirit and send us out with joy to be witnesses of your resurrection. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool’ (Psalm 110:1).
Read Psalm 110:1–7
The most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament is Psalm 110:1.
Full of battle language and allusions to defeating enemies and instigating a new era, Psalm 110 is perhaps the premier messianic victory psalm.
When you have defeated an enemy king, you put your foot on their neck. His neck = your footstool – like the ultimate ancient mixed martial arts (MMA) fight victory pose!
But there are questions:
- Who does God himself call ‘my lord’ (verse one)?
- Who is this ‘lord’ who sits at God’s right hand (verse one)?
- Who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) of all kings (verse one; verses five and six)?
- Who is this king who is also a priest (verse four)?
- Whose reign as king/priest lasts forever (verse four)?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, Peter and the writer of Hebrews all testify that this great messianic psalm is fulfilled in one person alone in all of history: the crucified and resurrected Christ Jesus. As Peter says in his great Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:32–36:
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
‘Melchizedek’ (meaning ‘king of righteousness’) is one of the most mysterious figures in Scripture. Genesis 14:18 calls him the King of Peace (Salem). The priesthood of Melchizedek serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood in at least three key ways. Firstly, in both Melchizedek and Christ, the roles of king and priest are united (see Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1). Secondly, Melchizedek is portrayed as a priest appointed directly by God, without reliance on lineage – a trait Christ shares, as he comes from the tribe of Judah rather than the Levitical priestly line (compare Hebrews 7:3). Thirdly, Melchizedek’s priesthood appears self-contained, with no record of predecessors or successors in his priestly line, just as Christ’s priesthood stands alone.
Lord Jesus, reigning King and eternal High Priest, rule in our hearts and lives. Defend us from every enemy and strengthen us in faith through your word. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
Super-weakness
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If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30).
Read 2 Corinthians 11:21b–33
In a world of perfectly manicured and manufactured celebrities and influencers who ‘have it all’, Paul’s words indicate that not much has changed in human nature in the ensuing 2,000 years since his ministry. We still look for the perfect veneer, the ‘super’, the successful. The truth of a life dedicated to Christ Jesus is the opposite for Paul.
Instead of listing accomplishments and achievements to prove his authority, Paul recounts his suffering: beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, danger and constant pressure. His point is clear – true apostolic authority isn’t proven by fame or eloquence, but by sacrifice and weakness for the sake of Christ.
Paul’s resume is a list of hardships for the gospel. He had every reason to self-promote by human standards; a ‘Hebrew of Hebrews’, trained under the best teachers. But, instead, he chose to boast in his weakness. Why? Because his suffering was the evidence of his deep identification with Jesus. The path of following Christ is often marked by loss, pain and vulnerability – not ease, success or applause.
In Aussie culture, we are often taught to hide our imperfections and maintain a stiff upper lip and self-pride, or that letting people know of our hardships is a sign of weakness. Paul’s example challenges us. Do we try to hide our weaknesses, or are we honest about them? Do we allow them to display the grace of God? The gospel doesn’t require us to be impressive – it invites us to be faithful. For in our weakness, God’s strength is revealed.
Lord Jesus, our suffering servant, teach us to boast not in our strength, but be honest in our weakness. Help us see our struggles as places where your power can shine through and as places to give you glory. Give us the courage to suffer well, love deeply, serve humbly and proclaim boldly like our brother Paul. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
What’s under the costume?
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I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1–21a
As a comic book superhero fan, I couldn’t resist this title as Paul calls the silver-tongued preachers leading the Corinthian church astray ‘super-apostles’. But as amusing as that sounds, this battle has serious, eternal consequences.
I’ve always loved and admired great orators who can command a stage. From Barack Obama’s ‘Yes We Can’ speech and Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ to gifted Christian speakers, my seminary lecturers and my favourite theologians. But the danger for everyone (including myself) is when we get swept up in the ‘cult of personality’, the magic of a gifted orator whose words we take on board uncritically just because of that gift.
Nowadays, I’ve found myself motivated to ‘take a step back’ mindfully in the heat of the moment, to passively observe and ask the question ‘what is fact and what is personal opinion?’ And sometimes I’ve realised that what was being said was obvious and nothing revolutionary, despite the commanding performance. At other times, it’s a brilliant truth highlighted by great delivery. Still others, an excellent delivery, but patently incorrect.
Unfortunately for the context in today’s reading, the faithful at Corinth were being deceived just as the first humans were in the garden, giving ear to a convincing speaker with bad teaching! Paul raises the alarm at the danger of being seduced by teachings that distort the true gospel and lead believers away from ‘sincere and pure devotion to Christ’.
In chapter 10, Paul addresses the murmurs against his humble ministry, that he is ‘all bark’ in his letters but ‘no bite’ and unimpressive in person.
Today’s text reminds us that devotion to Christ isn’t about appearances, eloquence or perceived ‘spiritual power’. It’s about faithfulness to the gospel. Like the Corinthians, we too can be vulnerable to subtle distortions where Christ is mentioned. However, the message is no longer truly his.
Lord God, protect our hearts from deception and untruths. Holy Spirit, help us stay grounded in the truth of Christ crucified, and give us discernment to recognise what is false. May our devotion to you remain pure and undivided. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’
Read John 5:1–9
As someone who has lived with disability for more than 20 years and tried everything from prayers and prayer ministry to natural therapies to the best of medical science, I can relate to the journey of this disabled man: someone desperately seeking healing for their brokenness. (For a modern retelling of this desperation, check out Season 2, Episode 4 of the historical drama about Jesus called The Chosen, which, for me, so effectively visualises the plight of all who are broken and who desperately seek healing.)
This disabled person has missed out on life and missed out on help to get to the pool. His last hope is getting to it first, and he can’t even do that.
Anyone who has faced a debilitating medical condition that cannot be fixed knows this feeling well. The ‘rock-bottom’ feeling. And, as with any healing account (or news of any modern-day healings), it raises questions for us.
Why did Jesus choose this man? Why not choose all the people at the pool in need of healing? (Indeed, if I’m honest, why not me?!)
Although we aren’t given answers to these questions, we are given truths. This man is healed and doesn’t even know who Jesus is (John 5:13), but Jesus later chooses to seek him out a second time and reveal himself to him. Where? At the temple (John 5:14,15).
For me, that is so significant. That is what I want most of all: to get to know Jesus. And I know where to find him: in the temple (the assembly of his chosen ones – the church). If my healing doesn’t come in this lifetime, I know it will come in the next. All that matters until then is knowing Jesus. Why? Because I know deeply in my heart one certainty: He has chosen me to follow him!
Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing me to follow you. Please help me bring hope as I share the power of your healing grace in my life with those around me. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us (Psalm 67:1).
Read Psalm 67
What a beautiful psalm. As you read it, I hope you also enjoyed the first verse, harking back to the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 that we hear in our liturgy on Sundays: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you …’ In this, we ask for God’s grace, favour and blessing. It is precious to receive this.
For our final devotion this week, we will look at verse 1 of Psalm 67. ‘May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.’ What is it to have God’s face shine upon us? What does this bring to your mind and heart?
To my mind, it offers delight in the language used (poetic), but to my heart, it offers more.
To my heart, this verse offers deep connection and comfort. I hope it also offers this to you.
‘May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.’ In this, I seek his grace, peace and presence, but also all else given to me as God’s face shines on me – the latter is personal and particular to me as it may be for you also. What a blessing to have a God willing to make his face shine on us.
As we part for now, I will leave you with the words of Numbers 6:24–26 with my prayer that you know the blessings requested therein:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you peace.
Every blessing to you.
Gracious and loving God, thank you for all your blessings to us. Please help us see all the ways you show grace to us and be aware of your face shining on us as your beloved children. In the name of Christ, Amen.
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‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends themselves who are approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:17,18).
Read 2 Corinthians 10:1–18
Boasting and pride – it is so human to fall into this, either outwardly or in our inner reflections as we live and focus on ourselves and the people or things we love. It’s easy to fall into the habit of measuring value by what gets positive attention.
We see this arise in recognising many things commonly around our educational, professional, financial and relational successes and achievements. We’ve worked for these – why shouldn’t we be proud and boast to others of our and our loved ones’ accomplishments? Well, we should share our joys in our achievements, but tempering it with humility helps us not allow boasting and pride to arise and cause harm. But let’s turn our minds to these selected verses: What can help us in our faith journeys?
As Paul reminds the Corinthians that true approval doesn’t come from self-promotion or human applause, but from the Lord himself, it also helps us to see how acknowledgement and recognition fit best. This Scripture tells us it fits where we seek, if first from God and what pleases him.
Paul’s example is interesting, remembering he noted if any person had cause to boast in themselves, Paul was qualified to do so (Philippians 3:3–5). However, through his writings, we see him as a man who confesses to being unattractive. He doesn’t boast of his clever and learned mind, but we see it in action. He doesn’t boast of the cost to him to be so deeply committed to the churches; however, we see it in his writings that reflect his joyous, sorrowing, burdened heart for them and yet his unwavering sense of call and service to them. He didn’t build his authority to guide these new churches on personality and physical appeal, but on faithfulness to Christ.
In these verses, Paul turns our attention away from self-made status and toward the grace of God. If we’re going to boast, Paul says, let it be in the Lord. Let our confidence, identity and joy be grounded not in what we’ve done, but in who God is and what he has done for us in Jesus.
I all too often limit my spiritual freedom by getting distracted and forgetting that I ultimately serve one – that is, God. I welcome this reminder as it prompts me to remember what God has done for me and what this gives and means. In my baptism, God calls me his beloved. Because of what Jesus has done for me, I don’t have to compete, perform or continually seek external validation.
As a Christian, I believe I am justified and approved by Jesus’ death and resurrection, and these are never by my merit but always given to me by God’s grace. I am so encouraged that God’s commendation comes as I seek to humbly trust him, serve and try to live for his glory. I hope these thoughts encourage you also in your faith journey today.
We can gratefully ‘boast’ in these gifts of deep wonder. Be encouraged to ‘boast in the Lord’.
Gracious God, please help us abide in you through your endless grace. If I boast, may it be about your grace to me. In the name of Christ, Amen.