Zealous, but for the Right Cause--Jan. 26, 2015

[From Jan. 22, 2007 archive]

Long ago you declared your mighty acts, and made them known;

but your people were unprepared when suddenly they came to pass.

Again your people languish; revive us, that we may rejoice in you.

Make us zealous to be in your presence, as persistent as Jairus;

but guard our zeal, lest like Saul it be for traditions, not for your kingdom.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

Isa. 48:1-11

Gal. 1:1-17

Mark 5:21-43

Selected Verses

Psalm 85:6

Will you not revive us again,

            so that your people may rejoice in you?

Isaiah 48:3

The former things I declared long ago,

            they went out from my mouth and I made them known;

            then suddenly I did them and they came to pass.

Galatians 1:14

I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.

Mark 5:22-23a

Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw [Jesus], fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death.  …  ”