I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

February 26, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 25, 34, 91
Genesis 45:1-15
1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Mark 6:1-13

II. Selections
Psalm 91:4
...[ the LORD] will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Genesis 45:5
" ...And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. ... " [ Joseph, upon revealing himself to his brothers]

1 Corinthians 7:35
I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord.

Mark 6:6
And [ Jesus] was amazed at their unbelief. [ referring to the people of his home town]

III. Meditation: A shield and buckler

To preserve life you take evil
acts and turn them to good;

your faithfulness, a shield and buckler;
under your pinions-cover and refuge.

Surely our unbelief is amazing;
our lack of devotion, depressing.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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