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.

August 13, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 98, 104, 138
2 Samuel 16:1-23
Acts 22:17-29
Mark 11:1-11

II. Selections
Ps. 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

2 Sam. 16:11
David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "My own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.

Acts 22:22
Up to this point [ the crowd in the Temple] listened to [ Paul], but then they shouted, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live."

Mark 11:4-6
[ The two disciples] went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

III. Meditation: Discerning your purpose
Because King David thought it was your will for him to suffer, he protected the bystander who pelted him with curses and stones. The mob in the temple shouted insults and threats at Paul, for they were convinced that Paul was breaking your laws. Bystanders permitted the disciples to lead the colt away because the disciples simply said Jesus needed it. Apparently each of us has a different perception of your purpose, but we know that your steadfast love endures forever, and we pray that you will fulfill your purpose for us. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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