I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

January 04, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 20, 93, 97
Exodus 3:1-5
Hebrews 11:23-31
John 14:6-14

II. Selections
Psalm 97:2
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Exodus 3:3
Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up."

Hebrews 11:27
By faith [ Moses] left Egypt, unafraid of the king's anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible.

John 14:8
Philip said to [ Jesus], "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."

III. Meditation: Will we be satisfied?

With Philip, if only we could see you,
we say we would be satisfied;
but you are hid by clouds
and thick darkness.

Moses saw a desert bush
combusted but not consumed;
then he persevered against the king
as though he saw you who are invisible.

Philip saw you in Jesus;
teach us to find you there,
where righteousness and justice
are the foundation of your throne.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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