July 31, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
2 Samuel 3:6-21
Acts 16:6-15
Mark 6:30-46

II. Selections
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

2 Samuel 3:12
Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying "To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and I will give you my support to bring all Israel over to you."

Acts 16:10
When [ Paul] had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

Mark 6:33
Now many saw [ Jesus and his disciples] going and recognized them, and they hurried [ to the deserted place] on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.

III. Meditation: Wrong and right

Abner acted as if he owned the land
and had the power to deal it to David;
but Abner was wrong; Israel was yours.

The crowds hurried after Jesus
almost as if he belonged to them,
and in a strange way they were right.

Paul's vision convinced him
you had called him to Macedonia,
and he wasted no time in going there.

You were Paul's strength and his shield;
his heart trusted in you, and you helped him.
May our heart exult, as we sing our thanks to you.