Psalm 139:7-12
"He descended to the dead."
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:7-12
In the Old Testament the word “Sheol” describes the realm of the dead, like Hades in Greek mythology or the grave in modern day. This psalm describes the pervasive presence of God—even in darkness and the realm of the dead! How does Jesus’ death fulfill this psalm? Reflect on the words of this psalm. Rewrite a few lines in your own words.
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
O Lord, so much speaks of death in the world: sickness and disease, division and destruction, depression and burnout, even our own hearts feel dead sometimes. Help us to remember that you descended to the dead and dwell with us still and help us hold on to hope that death is not the end. Amen.