In this passage, the psalmist presents us with two ways in life - the way of the righteous that leads to everlasting life and blessedness, and the way of the wicked that leads to death and everlasting contempt. Which way will we choose? Will we walk with the wicked, or will we stand with those who are right with God?
As today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we are reminded in Scripture that we can find hope in a secular culture that is antagonistic towards Christianity and followers of Jesus because God is our refuge, because God is present with us, and because God will one day establish peace on earth.
This is a stand-alone sermon by Ellwood Splane.
The hope of salvation leads to the joy of the resurrection on the second Sunday of Advent.
On the first Sunday of Advent, we find a hope that is greater than our circumstances.