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 19, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
2 Samuel 19:24-43
Acts 24:24-25:12
Mark 12:35-44

II. Selections
Ps. 130:6
...my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

2 Sam. 19:34-35
But Barzillai said to [ King David], "How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? Today I am eighty years old; can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?

Acts 24:24-25
Some days later when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning faith in Christ Jesus. And as he discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity, I will send for you."

Mark 12:38-39
As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!

III. Meditation: More than those who watch for the morning
What do we desire? To be respected for our piety and admired for our grand appearance? To be honored at banquets? At the age of eighty, Barzillai had no desire for royal ceremony and luxury. Or do we crave to be in the presence of a righteous person? Felix and Drusilla did not take comfort in the words of Paul. No, our souls wait for you. More than sentries who watch for the morning, our souls wait for you.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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