Counting the Days: December 12, 2024
Eric Dowden
Monarch Press Assistant
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to my servant David:
‘I will establish your descendants forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’
Reflection
As I read today’s text, I am immediately captivated by Ethan’s strong declaration that he is going to sing about the Lord’s unfailing love. While I can’t say for certain, I imagine Ethan the Ezrahite sitting down, bubbling over with excitement as he reflects on God’s faithfulness. His enthusiasm is so contagious that he tells us he will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love and faithfulness until everyone hears about it—regardless of age.
What strikes me is how Ethan doesn’t refer to past events to prove or demonstrate God’s faithfulness. Instead, he focuses on a future promise God made to David—that his descendants would reign as kings forever. It’s as if Ethan is confidently proclaiming, “I’m going to tell you about a future promise, and you can fact-check me if you like.”
Well, Ethan, you were absolutely right! God is faithful. He kept His promise to David by sending Jesus into the world. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise, and we celebrate this every year at Christmas.
Reading Ethan’s song, I am challenged by his zeal to proclaim God’s faithfulness.
Lord, help me to bubble over with excitement like Ethan the Ezrahite, so that those around me can hear of Your faithfulness through my words and actions. Amen.