February 01, 2006

I. Readings
Psalm 96, 132, 134
Genesis 22:1-18
Hebrews 11:23-31
John 6:52-59

II. Selections
Psalm 96:8
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Genesis 22:1
After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."

Hebrews 11:23
By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

John 6:52-59
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

III. Meditation: Testing
We dispute among ourselves,
asking how you can do these things.
Are you testing us
as Abraham was tested?

The parents of Moses
were not afraid to hide
their baby from the king.
Were you testing them?

Whether you cause the testing
or only permit it to happen
we do not know,
but testing comes to everyone.

Strengthen us for our time of testing,
that we may say, "Here I am,"
and glorify your name,
and bring an offering to your courts.