January 11, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 1, 33, 89:1-18
Genesis 4:1-16
Hebrews 2:11-18
John 1:29-42

II. Selections
Psalm 1:1
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers ...

Genesis 4:7b
" ...And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." [ The LORD to Cain]

Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

John 1:38a
When Jesus turned and saw [ two of John's disciples] following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?"

III. Meditation: What are we looking for?
What are we looking for?
We are looking for happiness-
but we haven't found it.

Not by following the voice of the wicked,
nor on the path that sinners tread,
nor in the seat of the scoffers.

Instead we find sin lurking at the door.
Its desire is for us,
and we are not able to master it.

And so, we are looking for Jesus,
who was tested, too,
and who is able to help those being tested.