June 26, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 97, 112, 135
Numbers 16:1-9
Romans 3:21-31
Matthew 19:13-22

II. Selections
Psalm 135:18
Those who make [ idols]
and all who trust them
shall become like them.

Numbers 16:8-9
Then Moses said to Korah, "Hear now, you Levites! Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to allow you to approach him in order to perform the duties of the LORD's tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation and serve them? ... "

Romans 3:27
Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to [ the young man], "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

III. Meditation: Our idols, our treasure

We make our idols,
and our idols make us.
We bow down before money
and possessions that money can buy,
and-like the money and possessions-
become empty of spiritual value.

We take up religious duties
and assume responsibilities,
start to exercise authority,
begin to enjoy recognition,
boast of our achievements;
but it is not you we worship.

Take us away from our idols
and from all idol worship,
that our trust may be in you,
that we may follow you, serve you,
grow more like you,
and less like our idols.