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.

September 04, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 103, 117, 139
1 Kings 12:21-33
Acts 4:18-31
John 10:31-42

II. Selections
Ps. 103:6
The LORD works vindication
and justice for all who are oppressed.

1 Kings 12:22-24
But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: Say to King Rehoboam of Judah, son of Solomon, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, "Thus says the LORD, You shall not go up or fight against your kindred the people of Israel. Let everyone go home, for this thing is from me." So they heeded the word of the LORD and went home again, according to the word of the LORD.

Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

John 10:41
Many came to him, and they were saying, "John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true."

III. Meditation: Speaking out with truth and boldness
You work vindication and justice for all who are oppressed; part of your work is through those who with truth and boldness speak your word. John spoke about Jesus, and his words were true. Peter, John, and their friends were all filled with your Spirit and spoke your word with boldness. Through your prophet you instructed King Rehoboam of Judah not to fight against his kindred people in Israel, and the King sent his armies home. Strengthen our faith, that we may speak your word with truth and boldness.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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