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.

January 24, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
Genesis 15:1-11, 17-21
Hebrews 9:1-14
John 5:1-18

II. Selections
Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Genesis 15:17
When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.

Hebrews 9:9
This is a symbol of the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper ...

John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, "My Father is still working, and I also am working."

III. Meditation: Effectual sacrifice
O God, who does not cease to work,
and Risen Christ, whose work goes on:
you are the strength of your people;
you are the refuge of your anointed.

You caused a fire to burn
the sacrifice prepared by Abraham,
but sacrifices such as his
do not perfect our consciences.

We fear that nothing can perfect them;
but we underestimate your work
and the work of the One you sent-
our refuge and our strength.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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