May 13, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 7, 12, 36
Ezekiel 33:21-33
1 John 2:1-11
Matthew 9:35-10:4

II. Selections
Psalm 7:14
See how they conceive evil,
and are pregnant with mischief,
and bring forth lies.

Ezekiel 33:31
They come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not obey them. For flattery is on their lips, but their heart is set on their gain. [ The LORD to Ezekiel]

1 John 2:11
But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.

Matthew 9:36
When [ Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

III. Meditation: See how they conceive evil

See how they conceive evil,
these despots of the world;
pregnant with mischief,
they bring forth lies.

They come to you as people come
and sit before you as your people;
they hear your words
but will not obey them.

Flattery is on their lips,
but their heart is set on gain-
gain that will come
from those they rule.

Their subjects are harassed, helpless;
like sheep without a shepherd
they walk in darkness, blindness,
and do not know the way to go.

O God, have compassion
for the millions who are lost,
as Jesus had compassion
when he saw the crowds.