To Interpret the Signs of the Times--Nov. 16, 2017

Lord our God the Almighty,

science has helped us explain

a host of natural phenomena

that confounded our forbears,

but many signs of our times

elude us.

We fall for lies of the wicked,

words of mischief and conceit

aimed at frightening us away

  from knowing and doing your

will.

You reign, Holy God;

strengthen our hands

and our wits for your

work.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27

Neh. 6:1-19

Rev. 19:1-10

Matt. 16:1-12

Selected Verses

Ps. 36:3

The words of [the mouths of the wicked] are mischief and deceit;
          they have ceased to act wisely and do good. 

Neh. 6:8-9

Then I sent to him, saying, "No such things as you say have been done; you are inventing them out of your own mind"--for they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done." But now, O God, strengthen my hands.

Rev. 19:6

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying out,
     "Hallelujah! 
     For the Lord our God 
          the Almighty reigns.  …"

Matt. 16:3b

"…You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.  …" [Jesus to those who came to test him.]