October 20, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 56, 111, 118
Jeremiah 52:1-34
1 Corinthians 15:12-29
Matthew 11:7-15

II. Selections
Psalm 118:6
With the LORD on my side I do not fear.
What can mortals do to me? ;

Jeremiah 52:3
Indeed, Jerusalem and Judah so angered the LORD that he expelled them from his presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

1 Corinthians 15:20
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.

Matthew 11:12
" ...From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ... " [ Jesus to the crowds]

III. Meditation: Violence has its limits

Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon,
which was a mistake; and he rebelled against you,
which was worse than a mistake. With you on our
side, what can mortals do to us; and when we leave you,
how can mortals help us? The violent think they can defeat
your kingdom by force, but they are mistaken. Even the power
of death did not conquer Jesus, for you raised Christ from the dead.