May 02, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 66, 98, 116, 146
Exodus 19:1-6
Colossians 1:1-14
Matthew 3:7-12

II. Selections
Psalms 146:7-8a
...who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.

Exodus 19:5b-6a
Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.

Colossians 1:6b
Just as [ the Gospel] is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.

Matthew 3:8
" ...Bear fruit worthy of repentance. ..." [ John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees]

III. Meditation: Bearing fruit
Holy God, you execute justice for the oppressed;
you give food to the hungry;
you set the prisoners free;
you open the eyes of the blind.

The whole earth is yours.
You call your church
to be a priestly kingdom
and a holy nation.

Your Gospel bears fruit in the world;
make it bear fruit in us.
As we come to comprehend your grace,
may we bear fruit worthy of repentance.