I. Readings
Psalms 27, 116, 119:1-24
2 Chronicles 24:17-22
Acts 6:1-7
Acts 7:59-8:8
II. Selections
Psalm 116:7
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
2 Chronicles 24:22a
King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son.
Acts 6:3-4
" ...Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word."
Acts 8:2
Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him.
III. Meditation: Bountiful goodness
How quickly we forget the kindness shown to us, and reward it with hateful acts. If this is sinful when in response to human kindness, how much more so in response to your bountiful goodness. Individually we have no hope of responding appropriately to your mercy and grace. Show us how to work with others to do your will, and grant us the dedication and courage of Stephen. When our work is done, return us to our rest; and may our rest be in you.
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