January 28, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 100, 122
Genesis 18:1-16
Hebrews 10:26-39
John 6:16-27

II. Selections
Psalm 100:1
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.

Genesis 18:12
So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?"

Hebrews 10:34
For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.

John 6:17b-18
It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

III. Meditation: Skepticism or confidence
It grows dark,
the sea gets rough,
a strong wind blows.
We look for you.

Or maybe we laugh
at your promises-
with good reason, of course;
we are too old for promises.

Yet if we are confident in your promise
that what we possess is better and longer lasting
than anything that could be taken from us,
then surely we will make a joyful noise to you.

And be compassionate
to prisoners
and others
in need.