July 17, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 5, 29, 82
Joshua 2:1-14
Romans 11:1-12
Matthew 25:1-13

II. Selections
Psalm 82:1-2
God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
"How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? ... "

Joshua 2:14
The [ spies] said to [ Rahab the prostitute], "Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the LORD gives us the land."

Romans 11:7
What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened ...

Matthew 25:10
" ...And while [ the five foolish bridesmaids] went to buy [ oil for their lamps], the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. ... "

III. Meditation: A question of fairness

We often remark, O God, that life is not fair.
When spies bargain with a prostitute for their lives
we might expect the deal to be lopsided;
but sometimes we question even your fairness.

Should bridesmaids be barred from the banquet
just because they were foolish?
And why are some chosen to be the elect,
while the rest are hardened?

You do not answer, for you are not defendant,
but judge; and you have a question for us:
"How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked?"