January 16, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 97, 112, 135
Genesis 8:6-22
Hebrews 4:14-5:6
John 2:23-3:15

II. Selections
Psalm 112:1
Praise the LORD!
Happy are those who fear the LORD,
who greatly delight in his commandments.

Genesis 8:12
Then [ Noah] waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John 3:7
" ...Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' ..." [ Jesus to Nicodemus]

III. Meditation: Good news
We praise you, God!
Happy are those who fear you,
who greatly delight in your commandments.

The third time Noah sent out the dove,
it did not return to him any more,
and that was good news.

You keep sending out your word to us,
until it does not return to you empty,
and that is good news.

You demand of us the impossible, to be born from above;
like Nicodemus, we are astonished;
but this is good news.

Therefore we can approach your throne of grace with boldness,
there to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,
which seems like the best news of all.