July 07, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 6, 20, 88
Numbers 24:1-13
Romans 8:12-17
Matthew 22:15-22

II. Selections
Psalm 6:8
Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.

Numbers 24:10
Then Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times. ... "

Romans 8:15-16
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God ...

Matthew 22:18
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? ... "

III. Meditation: The sound of our weeping

Have you not heard the sound of our weeping?
Then why do not all the workers of evil depart from us?
Why do you bless our enemies instead of cursing them?

Hypocrites that we are, we put you to the test,
forgetting you did not give us a spirit of slavery
to fall back in fear, but a spirit of adoption.

May your Spirit bear witness
with our spirit
that we are your children.