December 11, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 40, 67, 122
Isaiah 5:8-17
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Luke 21:20-28

II. Selections
Psalm 122:7-8
" ...Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers."
For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you."

Isaiah 5:16-17
But the LORD of hosts is exalted by justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy by righteousness. Then the lambs shall graze as in their pasture, fatlings and kids shall feed among the ruins.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape.

Luke 21:20
"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Peace and security

We have depended upon walls around us for peace,
the strength of our towers for security;
but just when we are pleased
with our peace and security,
destruction comes to us,
like labor pains in pregnancy.

Armies surround us;
desolation comes near,
we see no escape.
For the sake of our relatives and friends
we pray for true peace and security,
the kind only you can give.

But you are exalted by justice;
by righteousness you show yourself holy.
Let justice be done, let all be treated fairly;
then even among the ruins
lambs will graze in peace,
and fatlings in security.