September 12, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 1, 33, 89:1-18
1 Kings 17:1-24
Philippians 2:1-11
Matthew 2:1-12

II. Selections
Psalm 1:6
...for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

1 Kings 17:20
[ Elijah] cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?"

Philippians 2:1
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy ...

Matthew 2:1-2
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

III. Meditation: If there is any encouragement

We know that you watch over the way of the righteous,
but sometimes it is not only the wicked who perish.
Sometimes the evil plots of King Herod succeed;
sometimes calamity strikes the widow's son,
and Elijah is not there to restore his life.

Give us encouragement in Christ,
consolation from his love,
sharing in your Spirit,
compassion, and
sympathy.