November 30, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 26, 116, 130
Zechariah 13:1-9
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 19:11-27

II. Selections
Psalm 116:6
The LORD protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.

Zechariah 13:4-5
On that day the prophets will be ashamed, every one, of their visions when they prophesy; they will not put on a hairy mantle in order to deceive, but each of them will say, "I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the soil; for the land has been my possession since my youth."

Ephesians 1:22-23
And [ God] has put all things under [ Christ's] feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Luke 19:24-25
" ...[ The nobleman] said to the bystanders, 'Take the pound from [ the slave who had received only one pound] and give it to the one who has ten pounds.' (And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!') ... " [ Jesus, in the parable of the ten pounds]

III. Meditation: Simplicity or audacity?

Is it simplicity you want from us, or audacity?
Depending upon the circumstances,
a time for each.

When we have been brought low,
and we ask you for help,
you answer us.

When we have received no word from you,
no testimony to convey to others,
you want our silence.

But when you have made us responsible
for doing your work in the world,
you expect risk-taking.

If we remember that you have put all things under Christ,
we will know when to be quiet and humble,
and when to be daring for him.