March 18, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 25, 34, 91
Lamentations 1:17-22
2 Corinthians 1:8-22
Mark 11:27-33

II. Selections
Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Lamentations 1:21a
They heard how I was groaning,
with no one to comfort me.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Mark 11:27b-28
As [ Jesus] was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?"

III. Meditation: Authority and power

The critics of Jesus recognized his power, but not his authority.
Perhaps we are more likely to recognize his authority than his power.
When we are groaning, no one to comfort us, is your praise in our mouth?
In Christ establish us, anoint us; put your seal on us and your Spirit in our heart.
Then we will recognize his power and authority; we will praise you even if we suffer.