April 29, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 23, 92, 114
Exodus 17:1-16
1 Peter 4:7-19
John 16:16-33

II. Selections
Psalm 92:14-15
In old age [ the righteous] still produce fruit;
they are always green and full of sap,
showing that the LORD is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Exodus 17:7
[ Moses] called the place Massah [ test] and Meribah [ quarrel], because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"

1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

John 16:22
So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

III. Meditation: We should not be surprised
We should not be surprised
if a fiery ordeal takes place among us,
as though this were something strange.
We must not quarrel and test you,
or ask whether you are present with us.

We have pain now;
but you will see us again,
and our hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take our joy from us.

In old age the righteous still produce fruit;
they are always green and full of sap,
showing that you are upright; you are our rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in you.