2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Tuesday, July 7
Psalm 65:1-8
1 Praise is due to you,
O God, in Zion,
and to you shall vows be performed,
2 O you who answer prayer!
To you all flesh shall come.
3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
you forgive our transgressions.
4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near
to live in your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
your holy temple.
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
6 By your strength you established the mountains;
you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs;
you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
“… To you all flesh shall come. …”
Jesus says in John’s Gospel: “When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself.” (Jn 12:32)
This seems to echo what the psalmist writes here. God’s call is for all people to come – to enter the gates of the Lord and celebrate with joy the promise of new life. God opens the door and provides access to all.
Unfortunately, throughout history and even today, there are some who choose to close that door, to inhibit access to the Almighty. Often, it follows along ethnic, racial, or cultural lines. Those others are not worthy of coming in. Only the “chosen” are invited. Only the “select” have the door open for them. For all those others, the sign reads: “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME – KEEP OUT!”
That seems to contradict both the psalmist and Jesus himself. The cross and the empty tomb are open doors to the kingdom. All are invited; all may enter without distinction. That is the meaning of grace – God’s unconditional, everlasting love. Rather than closing the portal to some, the Almighty throws the gates wide open, inviting – actually calling – for everyone to enter.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that by Your grace, You have opened the gates of Your Kingdom to all. Count me among those who boldly claim Your love and Your salvation to all people. Amen.