October 19, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 27, 36, 80
Hosea 13:4-8
Acts 27:27-44
Luke 9:18-27

II. Selections
Psalm 80:1-2
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might
and come to save us!

Hosea 13:4
Yet I have been the LORD your God
ever since the land of Egypt;
you know no God but me,
and besides me there is no savior.

Acts 27:43b-44
[ The centurion] ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest to follow, some on planks and others on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

Luke 9:24
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

III. Meditation: The way to be saved

Here we find two different strategies for saving our lives:
One is to jump overboard before the ship breaks apart
and swim for shore, or float in on a convenient piece of wreckage.

Another is to plead for you, who have been our God
ever since the land of Egypt, to shine forth,
and stir up your might, and come to save us.

Each has its logic, but Jesus demanded a third way-
to lose our lives for his sake, and thereby save them.
Give us understanding, and faith, and courage to choose.