July 22, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 98, 104, 138
Joshua 6:1-14
Romans 13:1-7
Matthew 26:26-35

II. Selections
Psalm 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Joshua 6:8
As Joshua had commanded the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the LORD went forward, blowing the trumpets, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD following them.

Romans 13:1-7
Pay to all what is due them-taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, "You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,
'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' ..."

III. Meditation: Problems with authority

Regardless of Paul's dictum
to honor and respect authorities,
we have problems with authority.

We would not have found it easy
to march around a city wall
tooting on rams' horns
just because Joshua said
you said to do it.

We are much more likely
to ignore authority,
even desert authority,
as the disciples deserted you
in time of greatest need.

Still you do not forsake us;
your steadfast love endures forever,
and you will fulfill your purpose for us.