I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

November 03, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 25, 40, 84
Nahum 2:13-3:7
Revelation 13:1-10
Luke 12:13-31

II. Selections
Psalm 84:6
As they go through the valley of Baca [ = weeping],
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.

Nahum 3:4-5a
Because of the countless debaucheries of the prostitute,
gracefully alluring, mistress of sorcery,
who enslaves nations through her debaucheries,
and peoples through her sorcery,
I am against you,
says the LORD of hosts ... [ God to Nineveh]

Revelation 13:4
[ The whole earth] worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

Luke 12:31
" ...Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Much to offer

Much to offer, have the dragon and beast-
gracefully alluring, enslavers of nations.
Who can compare with them,
and who can combat them? ;

The whole earth worships
these mistresses of debaucheries;
but you stand against them,
O Lord God of hosts.

Imperial Nineveh will not prevail.
You call us to strive for a different kingdom,
to pilgrimage through the valley of weeping,
whose drought you will fill with springs and with pools.

You know what we need
and will give in abundance
to all those who strive
instead for your kingdom.

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