January 23, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
Isaiah 48:12-22
Galatians 1:18-2:10
Mark 6:1-13

II. Selections
Psalm 99:6
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called on his name.
They cried to the LORD, and he answered them.

Isaiah 48:21
They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts;
he made water flow for them from the rock;
he split open the rock and the water gushed out.

Galatians 1:23-24
...[ the churches of Judea that are in Christ] only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.

Mark 6:3
" ...Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.

III. Meditation: Leaders

How unpredictable our reactions
when those we know put on a new mantle.

Paul changed from persecutor to pillar of the faith,
and the churches glorified you because of him.
Jesus rose from common carpenter to healer
and teacher of wisdom in the synagogue,
and even his hometown took offense.

You lifted up leaders for your people-
Moses and Aaron and Samuel;
when they cried to you,
you answered them ...
gave them water.

We who walk through spiritual deserts
pray for leaders who will show us
your flowing, gushing water.
Grant that we will follow
when we find them.